Tourism Wheel: Kailashnath Temple, Ellora

Kailashnath Temple, also known as Kailash or Kailāsa or Kailasanath Temple, is a famous temple, 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.
Of these, the Kailasa (cave 16) is a remarkable example of Dravidian architecture on account of its striking proportion; elaborate workmanship architectural content and sculptural ornamentation of rock-cut architecture with Pallava influence.

Kailashnath Temple

It is designed to recall Mount Kailash.
The Kailash Temple is notable for its vertical excavation—carvers started at the top of the original rock, and excavated downward.
The traditional methods were rigidly followed by the master architect which could not have been achieved by excavating from the front.
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.
The shrine – complete with pillars, windows, inner and outer rooms, gathering halls, and an enormous stone lingam at its heart – is carved with niches, plasters, windows as well as images of deities, mithunas (erotic male and female figures) and other figures.