TemplesAhobilam Narasimha Swamy Temple: Timings, History & Distance
Did a divine pillar shatter in a wild forest? Yes, it did. Ahobilam sits deep inside the Nallamala…
calendar_today Jul 13, 2026
Book Griha Pravesh Puja Online Book Now Book Griha Pravesh Puja Online Book Now Ellora is about 30 km northwest of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). This is popular for its beautiful cave temples in the hills that are about a mile to its east.
These cave temples, which were long covered from view by the engulfing forest, are now among India’s top tourist destinations that few visitors are likely to skip.
Ellora Caves were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The caves are cut into the basalt cliffs of the Charanandri hills.
This is one of 34 rock-cut structures that are numbered. Buddhist settlement might be found in caves 1 through 12, Brahminical structures 13 through 29, and Jaina caves 30 through 34.
Cave 16 is the largest single rock-cut monument at Ellora and is widely regarded as one of the world’s great monolithic structures.
The temple stands in a courtyard cut into the hillside. It measures roughly 164 ft long and 109 ft wide, and rises about 100 ft (the tower is about 32.6 m above the court).
In contrast to multiple other ancient rock carvings, the temple premise was made from top to bottom instead of bottom to top.
Archaeologists believe the sculptors worked with hand tools such as chisels and hammers, cutting from the top down so they could carve without scaffolding.
The temple was begun under the Rashtrakuta king Dantidurga (735–757 CE) and largely completed under Krishna I (757–773 CE). As per the descriptions, the temple was meant to copy the mount kailash, the mythical abode of lord shiva.
But it was not only an act of devotion, but a testament of power, representing that the Rashtrakutas can attain something beyond imagination.
Legend has it that the temple was designed after the queen prayed to Lord Shiva for the king’s health.
She promised to develop a temple and vowed to keep fasting until she saw its Shikhara.
To complete the vow, the chief architect planned a unique idea – carving from the top, hence the spire will show first, fulfilling her vow.
Whether the story is true or not, the result remains one of the biggest architectural masterpieces of history.
Many historians have studied the temple for decades, and a lot of questions about Kailasa are still unanswered.
The most puzzling is how it was made. Removing more than 200,000 tonsof rock with simple accessories looks completely impossible.
A few of the archaeologists believe thousands of workers may have invested their time for decades, even centuries, sculpting the rock.
Others believe there should have been advanced planning techniques far ahead of their time.
There are even legends that attribute the temple’s development to divine intervention.
Locals usually say that only gods can have encouraged or guided this work.
Still, these remain mythos; they represent how deeply the temple grabs human imagination.
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Like most ancient indian structures, the Kailasa temple comes covered in captivating legends:
As historians concentrate on evidence, these stories keep the temple alive in the hearts of its followers and visitors alike, giving it a spiritual aura apart from stone and design.
When you see the Kailasa temple architecture, you experience as if you are walking into a world where creativity and skillshave no restriction.
The temple is not made by gathering stones; instead, it’s sculpted out of a monolithic rock. It makes it one of the most beautiful rock-cut structures in the world.
What makes it more beautiful is that it was cut from top to bottom, as was difficult for any ancient monument then.
When you walk around, you will notice a lot of small and larger informations that describes the amazing skill of builders.
1. Monolithic Structure on a Massive Scale: The complete temple is carved from a single basalt rock, making it one of the biggest monolithic structures in the world.
The method needed planning as if there were just one single chance to make a structure that can be destroyed with one little mistake.
It’s tough to consider how the ancient architects reached the level of accuracy without using any modern tools.
2. Grand Entrance down the Courtyard: When you walk towards seeing the temple, you see a big courtyard enclosed by high walls.
Two large stone elephants and pillars cover it greatly at the front. The carvings on the entrance show scenes from the hindu mythology that give you an amazing look into its ancient art.
3. Pillared Halls and Mandapas: There are many hallways of pillars inside the temple leading to the main sanctum.
All of the pillars are carved with idols of gods, dancers, and holy animals. Moving through it is like moving back, hundreds of years back, into the stunning art of India.
4. Shiva Shrine and the Nandi Mandap: The main sanctum is of Lord Shiva. A large Nandi idol faces the temple, similar to other Shiva temples.
The Kailasa temple interior shrine is beautifully carved and used for rituals and offerings.
5. Graceful Kailasa Temple Height: The Kailasa temple is about 100 feet (roughly 32 m), making it an excellent architectural masterpiece.
Standing under it makes you feel tiny and reminds you of the ancient temples that people have constructed with just simple tools.
Read Also: Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata: Timings, History & Legends
For followers, the Kailasa temple is not only an architectural wonder, but a way to show gratitude.
This is a witness as a sacred journey into lord shiva’s world. Mount Kailash is considered to be unreachable for most humans, but the temple was meant to bring that divine existence to earth.
Kailasa is an ASI-protected monument, and regular worship is not held inside. Devotees often pray at the nearby Grishneshwar temple.
However, among the long list of Kailasa temple’s history and the facts is the effort to ruin it.
In the year 1682, Mughal king Aurangzeb, who demolished thousands of temples, sent his 1000 people to destroy the temple.
Also, after working nonstop for 3 years, they could not destroy the temple. They only managed to impair the statue.
Finally, Aurangzeb, more likely to fear the divinity of the temple, gave up destroying the temple.
Read Also: Shri Radhavallabh Lal Ji Temple, Vrindavan: Timings & History
Before you plan for your travel to the Kailasa temple, there are some basic details that help one to know the place.
It will make your trip smoother and also more enjoyable.
Note: Fees and timings may change; please confirm before your visit.
It is better to know which month or season is pleasant to visit Ellora’s Kailasa temple.
Selecting the right time lets you enjoy the architectural, peaceful surroundings, great views, and not get too hot or tired while visiting.
Read Also: Ram Temple in Ayodhya: History, Significance & Budget
Reaching the Kailasa temple is as simple as it is one of the most famous heritage spots in Maharashtra.
Whether it is via plane, train, bus, or also the car, the roads to reach Ellora will be quite effortless. The guide will help you plan your trip without being confused.
Multiple rock-cut temples are present in India, but the Kailasa temple is unique among them:
If compared to wonders such as pyramids of Egypt or Machu Picchu in Peru, the Kailasa temple stands tall as India’s reply to the question: ‘What can human manage achieve?’
Read Also: Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple: Timings, History & Secrets
If you are thinking to visit Kailasa temple, there are so many other attractions nearby that make your journey more rewarding.
1. Ajanta Caves: Established around 100 km from Ellora, known for their beautiful Buddhist paintings and sculptures.
2. Grishneshwar Temple: It’s only about a short walk from Ellora, one of the 12 sacred jyotirlinga of lord shiva. A visit here amazingly complements your Kailasa experience.
3. Daulatabad Fort: The medieval fort was once the capital of the Delhi Sultanate under Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Its unique mechanism and amazing view make it a good stop.
4. Aurangabad City: The crowded city close to the temple has its own gems – Bibi ka Maqbara, usually known as ‘Mini taaj mahal’, and a crowded market selling handloom and handicrafts.
5. Lonar Crater Lake: You can travel here to experience something unusual, made from a meteor impact. This is one of the saltwater lakes construct the way, covered by myths and temples.
The Kailasa Temple is not only a monument, but it also gives you an experience that you will never forget.
Standing in front of the temple that was made out of one stone makes you feel like you were sent back in time when art, faith, and skill were at the top of their highest level.
Hence, it makes it one of the best visiting places in Maharashtra. Its mystery, calm environment, along with beautiful carvings, make it a spot that every pilgrim must see at least once.
Whether you travel here because of history, photos, spirituality, or curiosity, you’re sure to leave with memories like no other has.
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The Kailasa temple, developed by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century, is one of the best examples of ancient indian architecture.
The temple is popular as the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world, revered for its beautiful sculptures, Dravidian architecture, and engineering masterpieces.
To seek the blessings of lord shiva in Ellora’s temple, visit the temple from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, mainly on Tuesdays.
The biggest mystery of temple is how workers in ancient times carved the temple from a single rock with simple accessories.
To reach Ellora, which is located around 30 km from Aurangabad. The closest airport is in Aurangabad and continuous bus, taxi, and trains connect the route.
