Kailasha Temple (Maharashtra)
The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking
Mount Kailash is a masterpiece contain
the scenes of semi-mythological history,
the royal court and popular life of the ancient
times.
Kailasha Temple (Maharashtra) Hindu Temples
At ELLORA, 34 cave temples were
carved out of the hillside with hand tools. Only 12 of these 34
caves in the centre are the most impressive. The massive Kailash
Temple (cave 16) is nearly one a half times taller than the Parthnon
and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed
by excavating approx. 200,000 tones of rock and is possible the
world's largest monolithic structure. Representing Shiva's Himalayan
home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted with scenes from Hindus
mythology, each pulsing with drama, energy and passion. The Kailash
Temple situated near the village of Ellora. It is considered as
one of the most astonishing 'buildings' in the history of architecture.
This temple is the world's largest monolithic structure carved from
one piece of rock and the rock - hewn temples and monasteries of
Ellora that lies just 30 kms from Aurangabad.. Kailash Temple at
cave 16, were a big Shiva-linga (form of Lord Shiva) is worshiped.
It is the biggest building carved in a stone in the whole world.
is a part of Ellora Cave Complex. The Kailasanatha temple is the
world's largest monolith structure that was literally scooped out
of the hill side. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a giant
lingam in the garba griha. Beautiful sculptures from Ramayana and
Mahabharatha are carved on the walls of this cave temple.
History
The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece
contain the scenes of semi-mythological history, the royal court
and popular life of the ancient times, as told in romances and plays.
Some pictures recall the Greek and Roman compositions and proportions,
few late resemble to Chinese manners to some extent. But majority
belongs to a phase which is purely Indian as they are found no where
else. These monuments were constructed during two different periods
of time separated by a long interval of four centuries. The older
ones were the product of last to centuries before Christ and belongs
to Hinayana period of Buddhism in later part of 2nd century AD when
Buddhism was divided into two sections, after the conduct of the
fourth general council under another great king, Kanishka.
The new feature of Mahayana Buddhism was the concept of future Buddha's.
The Buddha, himself probably thought that he was the last of the
long succession of earlier Buddha's who lived before him. According
to the Buddhist traditions, these former Buddhas were revered even
in the historical Buddha's lifetime. By the time king Ashoka, their
cult was widespread and was patronized by Ashoka. Later, when the
stupas were constructed and beautified, the carvings were executed
in a symbolic way. An inspired sculptor began to carve images of
Buddha himself and within the few generations, all the Buddhist
sects took to worshipping images. The universe of Mahayana contains
numerous Bodhisattava, the chief of whom is Avalokitesvara with
attributes of compassion. He is also called Padmapani or the lotus
bearer. The Manjushri with a naked sword in one hand, stimulates
the understanding. The sterner Bodhisattava who is a foe of the
sin and evil and bearing a thunderbolt in the hand is Vajrapani.
The future Buddha, Maitreya will take birth to save the world.
Architeure
It is believed that work on the Kailasha temple was begun in the
mid-8th century and under the direction of King Krishna I (757-775)
of the Rashtrakutadynasty, the rulers of the western Deccan area.
One of the India's greatest architectural treasures, was hewn out
of the solid rock of the hillside to form a free-standing temple
consisting of a gateway, two-storied halls and the main shrine within.
The most majestic creation is the Kailash Temple, a full-sized freestanding
temple flanked by huge elephants all carved from solid rock, pillars
and pondiums, as the workers dug away some 200,000 tons of rock.
The result is an awe-inspiring representation of Shiva's Himalayan
abode. Nearby caves are alive with stone murals depicting divine
struggles and victories. With these caves before us, it is clear
that India far surpasses the rest of the world in the glory of its
rock-cut architecture.
Main Attraction
Every December, the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailasha
Temple, which is attended by large number of people.
Other links
Hindu Temples in India
temples
Maharashtra