Top 20 Amezing Facts About Ellora Caves
1. The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India.
2. The Ellora Caves are a collection of 34 monasteries and temples carved out of rock, dating back to the 6th century CE.
3. The caves are divided into three groups: the Buddhist caves, the Hindu caves, and the Jain caves.
4. The Buddhist caves (caves 1-12) were built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE and are characterized by their simple designs and austere decorations.
5. The Hindu caves (caves 13-29) were built between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses.
6. The Jain caves (caves 30-34) were built between the 9th and 10th centuries CE and are famous for their elaborate decorations and ornate sculptures.
7. The Kailash Temple in cave 16 is the largest rock-cut temple in the world, measuring 164 feet long, 109 feet wide, and 98 feet high.
8. The Kailash Temple was carved out of a single rock and took over 100 years to complete.
9. The walls of the Kailash Temple are covered with sculptures and carvings of deities, mythological creatures, and scenes from Hindu mythology.
10. The Indra Sabha and Jagannatha Sabha temples in cave 32 are also famous for their intricate carvings and sculptures.
11. The Ellora Caves were abandoned in the 10th century CE and were rediscovered by the British in the 19th century.
12. The caves were built by a combination of skilled craftsmen and ordinary people who were paid for their work.
13. The caves are a testament to the religious tolerance and cultural diversity of ancient India, with Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples all located within close proximity to one another.
14. The Ellora Caves are considered to be one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
15. The caves were built during the reigns of several different dynasties, including the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, and the Yadavas.
16. The Ellora Caves are located in close proximity to the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
17. The Ellora Caves have been used as a filming location for several Bollywood movies, including the 2008 film "Jodhaa Akbar."
18. The Ellora Caves attract over 500,000 visitors each year and are a popular tourist destination in India.
19. The Ellora Caves have been the subject of numerous academic studies and archaeological expeditions, revealing new insights into the culture and history of ancient India.
20. The Ellora Caves are an important part of India's cultural heritage and are a testament to the creativity, skill, and ingenuity of the people who built them.
Why You must Visit Ellora Caves ?
There are several reasons why one should visit the Ellora Caves. Here are some of them:
Rich history:
The Ellora Caves are a testimony to the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient India. The caves were built between the 6th and 10th centuries CE and are a showcase of the artistic and architectural skills of the people of that era.
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
The Ellora Caves have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a testament to their importance and value.
Religious diversity:
The Ellora Caves are home to temples and monasteries of three different religions - Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. This makes the site a unique example of religious tolerance and diversity.
Largest rock-cut temple:
The Kailash Temple in cave 16 is the largest rock-cut temple in the world and is a marvel of engineering and artistic skill.
Intricate carvings:
The Ellora Caves are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from mythology, history, and everyday life.
Ajanta Caves:
The Ellora Caves are located in close proximity to the Ajanta Caves, which are another UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
Popular tourist destination:
The Ellora Caves attract over 500,000 visitors each year and are a popular tourist destination in India.
Visiting the Ellora Caves is a unique and enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient India.
