| EELORA CAVE TEMPLE COMPLEX |  |
Ellora refers to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Aurangabad, India, renowned for its large rock-hewn monastic-temple complexEllora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Aurangabad, India, renowned for its large rock-hewn monastic-temple complex.
It features 34 caves, which include Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain structures carved between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, with the most famous being the monolithic Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).
Key features
A UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The Ellora Caves are one of the largest rock-cut cave complexes in the world and a testament to the coexistence of different religions during ancient India.
Religious harmony:
The complex includes Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain caves, showcasing sculptures and architectural styles from all three traditions.
Monolithic Kailasa Temple (Cave 16):Kailasa Temple (Cave 16):
This is the largest single-rock excavation in the world and a masterpiece of architecture, carved from a single rock using a top-down method.
Other notable caves:
Other significant caves include the Dashavatara Cave (Cave 15) with its depictions of Vishnu's avatars, and the Rameshwara Temple (Cave 21).
Location and visit
Location:
The caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India, about 30 km north-northwest of the city.