Ellora also known as Elapura in the Rashtrakuta inscriptions served as the capital for a brief period during its history. The caves of Ellora are an impressive complex of rock-cut monuments, hewn out of the basaltic rock of the Deccan trap. These caves date back from around the 6th to the 11th century A.D. and are an essential part of India’s architectural and historical heritage.
The earliest known reference to the Ellora caves can be traced back to the 10th century A.D. mentioned by the Arab geographer Al-Masudi. Over the centuries, these caves attracted visitors from different rulers and cultures, such as Sultan Hasan Gangu of the Bahmani kingdom in A.D. 1352.
The Ellora caves are located on the western face of the Ellora hill range and stretch for about one and a half kilometers in a north-south direction. There are more than 100 caves in the entire hill range, but the most visited by tourists are 34 caves.
Among these caves 12 are Buddhist 17 are Brahminical (associated with Hindu deities), and 5 are Jain. The Buddhist caves, dating from A.D. 450 to 650, include a single Chaityagriha (prayer hall) and monasteries. Cave 5 is the most significant and most noteworthy among the early group of Buddhist caves, while Cave 10, also known as Vishwakarma Cave or Sutara chi zopadi, houses a significant and impressive seated Buddha image.
The Brahminical group of caves datable from about A.D. 650 to 800, comprises 17 excavations dedicated to Hindu deities. Some notable examples are Cave 13 known as Ravan ki khai or the abode of Ravana, cave 15 (Dashavatara cave) depicting ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, cave 16 (Kailas temple) which stands out with its unique architectural approach, and Cave 29 (Dumar lena), which consists of an isolated shrine located within a hall arranged on a cruciform plan.
The Jain group of caves, dating from around 800 A.D. to the 11th century A.D., includes cave temples 30 to 34. Cave 30 is often called Chhota Kailas, while Cave 32 (Indra Sabha) and Cave 33 (Jagannath Sabha) are other important Jain caves, featuring impressive mural paintings.
The Kailas temple in Cave 16 is a remarkable feat of architecture. It was excavated from top to bottom out of a single mass of rock and follows the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex includes an entrance gateway, an intermediate Nandi shrine, the main body of the temple, and cloisters surrounding the courtyard.
The artistic and religious significance of the Ellora caves led to its inclusion as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO in 1983. Its splendid architectural and sculptural richness, along with its religious diversity, make Ellora an essential site for understanding India’s cultural heritage.
The Brahminical group of caves at Ellora dating from approximately A.D. 650 to 800, consists of 17 excavations dedicated to Hindu deities. Among them, several caves hold notable significance.
Cave 13 known as Ravan ki khai or the abode of Ravana, stands out with its unique features. The cave is named after Ravana, the antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have resided in this cave. It showcases intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various mythological figures and scenes.
Cave 15 often referred to as the Dashavatara cave, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu mythology. This cave is renowned for its depiction of the ten incarnations, or avatars, of Lord Vishnu. Each incarnation is beautifully carved and intricately detailed, offering a visual narrative of the various forms assumed by Lord Vishnu to restore cosmic order.
Cave 16 the Kailas temple, is one of the most remarkable structures at Ellora. It deviates from earlier conventions by being carved from a single massive rock, rather than being excavated from the parent rock formation. The Kailas temple is an architectural marvel and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the artisans. It features an entrance gateway, an intermediate shrine dedicated to the bull Nandi, the main temple complex, and surrounding cloisters. The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture and boasts elaborate carvings, sculptural details, and paintings on its walls and ceilings.
Cave 29 known as Dumar Lena, is another significant Brahminical cave. The cruciform arrangement refers to the cross-shaped layout of the hall, which adds to its architectural uniqueness. The shrine within contains sculptures and carvings dedicated to various Hindu deities, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere.
These Brahminical caves at Ellora offer a glimpse into the rich religious and artistic traditions of ancient India. Their intricate carvings, architectural features, and depictions of Hindu deities provide valuable insights into the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Exploring these caves allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and devotion that went into creating these magnificent structures.