LORD SHIVA TEMPLE AT ELLORA The World’s Largest monolithic sculpture, sculpted out a rock The remple is designed to look like Mount Kailash ...
LORD SHIVA TEMPLE AT ELLORA
The World’s Largest monolithic sculpture, sculpted out a rock
The remple is designed to look like Mount Kailash the Himalayan home of of Lord Shiva
According to one estimate, it took 150 years to complete this temple
Set amidst the caves of Ellora near Aurangabad, it was excavated between the 6th and the 10th century AD.
Kailash temple in Ellora
Constructed by the Rashtrakutta King Dantidurga(725-55), temple stands as an eloquent example of the wonders that can be created when art meets religion.
The temple was carved out from a hillside with work starting from top and then going downwards almost like statue. The work on the temple continued for years. According to one estimate about 4000000 tons of rock were scooped out in over 100 years to complete this grand project.
The temple itself is in four parts: its main gateway, a nandi(bull) shrine in between, the main body and smaller shrines around the courtyard. The entire precinct is adorned with sculptures of divine figures, animals and scenes large and small that are amazing in their grace. The temple is considered by many as the most stupendous work of art in India
COMMENTS