Ellora caves: the home to beautiful in-carvings - part2
This write-up is the 2nd and the last part of the Ellora caves visit. In the part1, we discussed history, the geography of Ellora caves in overall and what the nearby places one can visit along with the visit to Ellora caves.
As discussed in the last blog, the 34 caves which are publically opened to visit belongs to three different religions, Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism.
Cave 1 to Cave 12:
Ellora caves are spread in a length of more than 2 Kms and caves starting from cave 1 to cave 34, south to north. Cave 1 to 12 belongs to Buddhism. Previously these were considered to be the oldest among all the Ellora caves. But, recent studies by new scholars predict that these caves constructed after the Hindu caves. These caves were built in two phases.
- Cave 1 to 5: developed in phase 1(400-600)
- And, rest of the caves in phase 2(650-750).
Most of these caves are Viharas which were the prayer halls of that time. These caves also have shrines devoted to Gautam Buddha in preaching postures. These caves are multi-storeyed building at that time. These caves have in-carving of idols and mandals(a spiritual symbol in Buddhism which represents universe).
Cave no. 10 is also known as Vishvakarma cave. This cave is the most excellent example of the in-carved artwork of that time. The Lord Buddha with his disciples is in greeting posture. This cave is of two floors and has a gallery. On the front side of the gallery, there are postures of couples and animals. The artwork in this cave resembles like the modern day wooden carpentry and also known as "Carpentry cave."
Cave 2 and three were profoundly damaged due to time and number of irresponsible people visiting these caves. So, some of the parts of these caves are under maintenance.
Cave 13 to 29:
Cave 13 to 29 are Hindu caves and mostly devoted to Lord "Shiva." The construction of the Hindu caves completed in two phases. The sequence of the development of these Caves does not go with the cave numbers. Caves 14, 15 and 16 constructed at the end of the 2nd phase.
Cave 15, also known as "Dashavatara" has a structure similar to the cave 11-12 of Buddhist caves. Cave 11-12 also has few things identical to Hindu caves structures. Archeologists believe that these similarities are due to the same set of architects and workers worked on these sites.
Cave 16, known as "Kailasa" is the largest monolith monument in-carved from a huge single rock. The huge size and robustness of this temple astonish people around the world. This temple has many Hindu deities but mostly devoted to Lord "Shiva."
Other caves also contain idols of Hindu deities. Cave 29 which is one of the earliest excavation was constructed at the bank of a lake and waterfall. Most of these caves are dedicated to Lord "Shiva" and has "Shiva-Linga"(rock cut linga-yoni).
Cave 30 to 34:
On the extreme north of the Ellora, there are Jain caves numbered from 30-34. These were excavated in a 9th and 10th century. These caves were built after Hindu and Buddhist curve, so are influenced by those architectures. But, these very caves have finer and highly detailed carvings. One of the caves (30) is the smaller version of Kailasa temple(cave 16 of Hindu religion) and also known as "Chotta Kailasa."
Cave 32 which is also known as "Indra Sabha" is a two-story cave and excavated monolithic. This cave contains the textual records of Jain worships used to happen here.
Cave 33 is the "Jagannatha" cave and is the most significant Jain cave. This cave is also two-storeyed with multiple big pillars. These pillars are full of detailed and more exceptional carvings.
These caves are ~1 Km from Hindu caves, and public transportation is also provided from cave 16 to reach to these Jain caves.
How to reach to Ellora Caves:
Aurangabad is the nearest big city to Ellora caves. Most of the people come to Aurangabad and then go to Ellora caves.
Ellora caves are ~30 Km from Aurangabad. After reaching to Aurangabad, one can take public bus transport or hire a taxi to reach to Ellora caves.
How to reach to Aurangabad:
By Air:
There is a domestic airport in Aurangabad which is well connected to all major cities of India directly or through connecting flights. Mumbai is the nearest international airport from where a flight to Aurangabad can be taken.
By Road:
Aurangabad itself is a big city and connected to all major cities of Maharashtra and nearby states by road. One can use public/private bus service or can hire a private taxi to reach to Aurangabad.
By rail:
Aurangabad also has a railway station. One can book a train from any major city from India to Aurangabad. If train from a particular city is not available, one can book a train to Mumbai and then to Aurangabad.
One can also go to Ellora caves from Mumbai, the financial city of India, by taking a direct bus service.
Keep Travelling
What a terrible shame that the beauty of this historic site was defaced because of the usual war monger mentality. It seems pretty obvious to me, looking at all these megalithic structures and sculptures, that at the time, these people knew how to "industrialize" many forms of corrosive acids, and manipulate the liquids behavior to eat away at the stone. Essentially making tools like chisels and picks obsolete. It would also explain the lack of tool marks at all these locations. We are simply underestimating our ancestors ingenuity.
@kindersaft
Very true!!
Even if UNESCO and ASI are taking major steps to save these sites, but, we still need people's attention to make this happen. We all need to come together to save our past and historical monuments
today people start remember and value and one day our culture grow. no more shit in museums!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE, I've always been in LOVE with HISTORY and its TREASURES
??
yes me too, if u love the history place, please come to Cambodia, we have alot of beautiful temple such as Angkorwat temple.
Wow these are insanely beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to post your experience! Felt like I was there!
The beauty of this place is difficult to express in words. we tried our best to express :)
Success!! Thanks for the reply. Following!
yeah its really beautiful post. and @adsactly wrote in brilliant way which make the article more attractive.
Very true!
yes we also seen ur last post about these posts such the world best and great underground caves and i m so impress to see these caves this is the world best example of art of caves and i sure there are not other caves like these in whole world like these i really appriciate those who made these also thanx to share with us and i see it first time in ur post @adsactly sir
merry christmass
@shencoin
No doubt, these carvings are one of the best examples of great arts across the globe. Some of the in-carving is very fine and seems like impossible to achieve by using chisels. People of that time might had some more advanced tools.
I wanna go
Fabulous place!
This is such a beautiful historical site. I would definitely look forward to visiting Elora cave one day.
amazing
It's a natural place for journey, when yo intend to go there mind will free from difficulties and feeling fresh @adsactly
AGREE!!!
They say life is a book and those who do not travel read only a page... great post... Keep it coming :)
Wow!!
I loved this comment. @feimandcharm started following you :)
Wow, did you visit the site and take the pictures your self? Regardless, the photos and the architecture is breath taking. It truly shows what man kind is capable! Very beautiful to say the least. Keep up the great work mate, I will definitely stop by more often :)
@generation
Thanks a ton for appreciating the efforts. architecture is truly exceptional. Such dense and fine in carving makes it even more beautiful
It was a great pleasure looking at it :)
The art and artists of Ellora Cave makes me astonished.
@blackybabies
most of us will agree to this :)
Thanks
It is really nice ! I love everything that is historical and I always wonder how people at the time can do such things !
Merry Christmas @adsactly !
@redouanemez
Merry Christmas :)
@originalworks
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My hometown is Aurangabad.. I have been to Ellora and Ajanta caves many times. Thank you so so so much for such a beautiful post.
@rathodswapnil
Nice to meet you. I wish to have a post from you on "lunar eclipse". I could not visit that place due to time constraints. I will plan to visit this place sooner. :)
If you plan to visit in January please let me know.. I am going back to India in January.. It will be my honor to host you.. also I will show you hidden gems of aurangabad like.. "bibi ka muqbara " which is an exact replica of Taj Mahal made by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Recently visited this place in the month of november. travelled all the way from hyderabad to shirdi and shirdi to ellora caves. Havent you clicked the large shiva linga ? Would love to see that if you have the pic ?
I wonder how they made it at the old ages?
@justinansako
True!! Everyone wonders about such fine arts and gigantic structures
Amazing Artifacts and travel ...have fun
amazing its very beautiful and historical ,nice post and thanks for sharing with us
amazing its very beautiful and historical ,nice post and thanks for sharing with us
great topic friend , good luck
I have always wanted to be an archaeologist since my childhood..But I was an engineer :) I am always looking for historical sites, and there are a few articles about. It these structures I wonder about most are what these symbols mean. In fact, is not this heritage that they abandoned years ago, a treasure?
@beyfendi
To me as well, its a treasure :)
Wow, you have posted some beautiful and delightful photos. I am fascinated to see your views that you have chosen so much respect for the travel and prayer place which brings peace of life, in real life you are a good man and a great man appreciates some photos sharing for us. I wish to travel well. @adsactly
@eliashossain
Thanks a ton. You should definitely travel to these places.
yeah its really beautiful post. and @adsactly wrote in brilliant way which make the article more attractive.
keep writing and updating about beautiful information.
great post. my lovely friend @adsactly
I've been to these caves, especially during the evening times you feel like there's something eerie there..Maybe ghosts of something!
Amazing, all these information in one. Only if these structures never grew old. Thanks for sharing
beautiful and so rare
I am From India and i am proud to have these type of so many beautiful things in my country..!!!
a nice classic picture in my opinion we have to keep it together it’s a world haritage
What a terrible shame that the beauty of this historic site was defaced because of the usual war monger mentality. It seems pretty obvious to me, looking at all these megalithic structures and sculptures, that at the time, these people knew how to "industrialize" many forms of corrosive acids, and manipulate the liquids behavior to eat away at the stone. Essentially making tools like chisels and picks obsolete. It would also explain the lack of tool marks at all these locations. We are simply underestimating our ancestors ingenuity.
nice work hopefully we make same you for one post
Tarih bizim işimiz
Igüzel güzel
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Wow, nice Pictures! :)
awesome!! there is alot of hindu temples in Cambodia too.
really interesting information given. Traveling is not just a walk, but also provide useful information. I really like this article
yeha
amazing post thank you for sharing @rastalikelove
Amazing
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beautiful.....
Las personas que han logrado visitar estás cuevas , independientemente de su religión habrá recreado en sus mentes todas esas personas del pasado sus ceremonias y tributos. Sin duda lugares que tienen sus encantos para diferentes gustos.
The Caves look amazing. The Jains are quite an interesting faith in India. They are largely known for their prowess in business dealings but the devout place something covering their mouths lest some poor insect is accidentally inhaled in. They literally believe in the ideal: "Don not hurt another sentient being".
que buena imagen
Very good post my frend
I have never seen such scenes in the picture before, I saw a very good view, I want to see me directly.. @adsactly
all time his post are great
Amazing sculptures. All made of stone. A lot of time spent on their production. All made by hand.
Everything must be preserved for posterity.
@nilpan
True!! we should take all measures to preserve our history!!
The History behind the Hindustan cave. Nice one