ArpitaPatra
When sun takes leave from the abode of Lord Shiva
Kailashnath Temple, also Kailash or Kailāsa or Kailasanath Temple is the finest example of indian rock-cut architecture. It is the biggest monolithic structure in the world carved out of one single rock. Designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, the Kailash Temple is notable for its vertical excavation—carvers started at the top of the original rock, and excavated downward. Its elaborate workmanship architectural content and sculptural ornamentation astonishes us to the core. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is one of the 34 monasteries and temples known collectively as the Ellora Caves, extending over more than 2 km, that were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora, Maharashtra, India.
It is estimated that about 400,000 tons of rocks were scooped out over hundreds of years to construct this monolithic structure. From the chisel marks on walls of this temple, archeologists could conclude that three types of chisels were used to carve this temple. All the carvings are done in more than one level. A two-storeyed gateway opens to reveal a U-shaped courtyard. The courtyard is edged by a columned arcade three stories high. The arcades are punctuated by huge sculpted panels, and alcoves containing enormous sculptures of a variety of deities. Originally flying bridges of stone connected these galleries to central temple structures, but these have fallen.
When sun takes leave from the abode of Lord Shiva
Kailashnath Temple, also Kailash or Kailāsa or Kailasanath Temple is the finest example of indian rock-cut architecture. It is the biggest monolithic structure in the world carved out of one single rock. Designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, the Kailash Temple is notable for its vertical excavation—carvers started at the top of the original rock, and excavated downward. Its elaborate workmanship architectural content and sculptural ornamentation astonishes us to the core. It was built in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I. It is one of the 34 monasteries and temples known collectively as the Ellora Caves, extending over more than 2 km, that were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff in the complex located at Ellora, Maharashtra, India.
It is estimated that about 400,000 tons of rocks were scooped out over hundreds of years to construct this monolithic structure. From the chisel marks on walls of this temple, archeologists could conclude that three types of chisels were used to carve this temple. All the carvings are done in more than one level. A two-storeyed gateway opens to reveal a U-shaped courtyard. The courtyard is edged by a columned arcade three stories high. The arcades are punctuated by huge sculpted panels, and alcoves containing enormous sculptures of a variety of deities. Originally flying bridges of stone connected these galleries to central temple structures, but these have fallen.