If you are awestruck by the grandeur and majesty of ancient temples and their carvings, you should definitely visit the Kailas Temple in Maharashtra. This temple, also known as the Kailasa Temple or the Kailasanatha Temple, is a part of the Ellora Caves and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the largest and the most impressive cave among the 34 rock-cut caves at Ellora.
The temple is carved out of a single rock and is considered as one of the largest rock-cut temples in the world and the finest example of Indian art and architecture. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad). Here is everything you need to know about the Kailas Temple. Visit during Ellora Caves One day Trip From Sambhaji Nagar.
Distance From City Center Location of Kailas Temple
The Kailas Temple is located in cave 16 of the Ellora Caves, about 30 kilometers from the Aurangabad city center and 11 kilometers from the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The temple is situated on a hill that overlooks the Elaganga river.
Timing/Entry Fees Kailas Temple
The Kailas Temple is open to visitors every day except Tuesdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 40 per person for Indians and Rs. 600 per person for foreigners. There is no camera fee or parking fee.
How to Reach Kailas Temple
You can reach the Kailas Temple by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the temple, which will take about an hour. The nearest airport is Aurangabad, which has domestic flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the temple, which will take about an hour and a half.
Things to Do/See Kailas Temple
The Kailas Temple has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the temple are:
- Admire the architecture: You can admire the architecture of the temple that showcases the skills and styles of different periods and dynasties like Rashtrakuta, Yadava, Bahmani, Mughal, Maratha, etc. The temple is carved out of a single rock that measures about 60 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and 33 meters in height. It has various elements like a gateway, a courtyard, a shrine, a hall, a tower, etc. that are adorned with elaborate sculptures and paintings.
- Explore the sculptures: You can explore the sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings of the temple that depict various themes like Shiva Parvati, Shiva Nataraja, Shiva Lingodbhava, Shiva Gajasura Samhara, Shiva Tripurantaka, Vishnu Dashavatara, Vishnu Narasimha, Vishnu Varaha, Rama Sita, Krishna Balarama, Krishna Kaliya Mardana, Krishna Govardhan Dhari, Mahavira, Parshvanatha, Bahubali, etc.
- Learn about the history: You can learn about the history of the temple that dates back to the 8th century CE and was built by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The temple was inspired by the Kailash mountain in Tibet, which is considered as the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The temple was also used as a venue for various events and ceremonies by the Rashtrakuta rulers and nobles.
- Visit the nearby attractions: You can visit some of the nearby attractions that are located close to the temple like Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (6 km), Daulatabad Fort (15 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km), Aurangabad Caves (35 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Significance of Kailas Temple
The Kailas Temple is not only a tourist destination but also a spiritual and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It is one of the largest rock-cut temples in the world and the finest example of Indian art and architecture. It is also dedicated to Lord Shiva who is considered as the supreme god and the destroyer of evil in Hinduism. The temple is a symbol of the faith and devotion of the Rashtrakuta kings and their successors who built this colossal structure out of solid rock.
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to explore the temple?
A: It depends on your interest and pace but generally it takes about two hours to explore the temple.
Q: Is there any cafeteria or restaurant near the temple?
A: Yes there are some cafeterias and restaurants near the temple that offer snacks and meals at reasonable prices. Some of them are Cafe Coffee Day (10 km), Hotel Atithi (15 km), Hotel Yash Executive (20 km), etc.
Q: What are some other places to visit near the temple?
A: Some other places to visit near the temple are Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (6 km), Daulatabad Fort (15 km), Bibi Ka Maqbara (30 km), Aurangabad Caves (35 km), Ajanta Caves (100 km), etc.
Conclusion
The Kailas Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who loves ancient art and architecture. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the glory and grace of a colossal rock-cut temple that showcases the divine energy and light of Lord Shiva. It also offers a chance to appreciate the history and culture of the Rashtrakuta kings and their successors who built this magnificent structure over centuries. So if you are planning a trip to Aurangabad or nearby areas don’t miss out on visiting the Kailas Temple.
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