1. Kailasa Temple, located about 15 km northwest of Aurangabad, is 300 feet long and 175 feet wide and carved out of a scarp that is over 100 feet high

1. Kailasa Temple, located about 15 km northwest of Aurangabad, is 300 feet long and 175 feet wide and carved out of a scarp that is over 100 feet high

2. The Kailasa Temple, located in Cave 16 of Ellora Caves, was built from top to bottom with no scaffolding and it is believed that only a chisel and hammer was used to construct it

2. The Kailasa Temple, located in Cave 16 of Ellora Caves, was built from top to bottom with no scaffolding and it is believed that only a chisel and hammer was used to construct it

3. According to architectural experts, one to two million cubic feet of rock was removed to build this largest monolithic structure in the world which is an unrivalled masterpiece of Indian architecture

3. According to architectural experts, one to two million cubic feet of rock was removed to build this largest monolithic structure in the world which is an unrivalled masterpiece of Indian architecture

4. According to historical sources, Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (c. 756–773 CE) is generally credited as the one who built Kailash temple at Ellora

4. According to historical sources, Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (c. 756–773 CE) is generally credited as the one who built Kailash temple at Ellora

5. The scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana are portrayed majestically with sculptural finesse in a panel of seven rows each

5. The scenes of Mahabharata and Ramayana are portrayed majestically with sculptural finesse in a panel of seven rows each

6. The circumbulatory path that runs along the side of the hill is lined with five auxiliary shrines honouring the three river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati

6. The circumbulatory path that runs along the side of the hill is lined with five auxiliary shrines honouring the three river goddesses Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati

7. The intricately carved form of Gajalkashmi with elephants is a sight to behold. She is often shown seated on a lotus with four arms holding lotuses or in blessing mudras, while the elephants pour water over her in a ritual of consecration.

7. The intricately carved form of Gajalkashmi with elephants is a sight to behold. She is often shown seated on a lotus with four arms holding lotuses or in blessing mudras, while the elephants pour water over her in a ritual of consecration.

8. The temple, said to represent Mount Kailasa, took 18 years to complete it

8. The temple, said to represent Mount Kailasa, took 18 years to complete it

9. A two-storey Gopuram is located at the entrance. On the sides of the entrances are sculptures of gods revered by Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Two interior courtyards are visible from the entrance, each bordered by a columned arcade.

9. A two-storey Gopuram is located at the entrance. On the sides of the entrances are sculptures of gods revered by Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Two interior courtyards are visible from the entrance, each bordered by a columned arcade. ?

10. The inner sanctum accommodates a huge Shiva Lingam and is oriented eastward to receive the sun's first rays. There is an image of sacred bull, Nandi, facing the Shivalinga. The Nandi mandapa and main Shiva temple are 7 m tall and built over two floors. The base level gives an effect as if elephants are holding the entire structure.

10. The inner sanctum accommodates a huge Shiva Lingam and is oriented eastward to receive the sun's first rays. There is an image of sacred bull, Nandi, facing the Shivalinga. The Nandi mandapa and main Shiva temple are 7 m tall and built over two floors. The base level gives an effect as if elephants are holding the entire structure.

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