Ellora Caves, India
The Ellora Caves. “Caves” are not the right word to describe these structures as they were chiselled out of solid rock between 600 – 1000 AD. The temples were carved out by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks (and their helpers, I guess) over many decades. In total, there are 34 temples, some more elaborate than others. I understood the main temple, the Kailasa Temple, was cut out of the rock by 7,000 labourers over 150 years! One can’t help but be in awe of what was created here. To give an idea of size, the Kailasa Temple covers an area twice the Parthenon's size, and it is double as high. The planning boggles the mind! Not only are these remarkable temples engineering-wise, but it is also the detail in the carved panels that’s rather impressive.
Ellora Caves, India
The Ellora Caves. “Caves” are not the right word to describe these structures as they were chiselled out of solid rock between 600 – 1000 AD. The temples were carved out by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks (and their helpers, I guess) over many decades. In total, there are 34 temples, some more elaborate than others. I understood the main temple, the Kailasa Temple, was cut out of the rock by 7,000 labourers over 150 years! One can’t help but be in awe of what was created here. To give an idea of size, the Kailasa Temple covers an area twice the Parthenon's size, and it is double as high. The planning boggles the mind! Not only are these remarkable temples engineering-wise, but it is also the detail in the carved panels that’s rather impressive.