The architecture and brilliance of the Ellora Caves is an awe-inspiring example of India’s rich culture and history. The Ellora caves are listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is known for its Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and monuments which were built in the 6^th to 8^th century CE. This magnificent collection of rock cut temples located in the state of Maharashtra in Western India is believed to be built by the Kalachuri, Chalukya and the Rashtrakuta dynasties.

Of the nearly hundred caves, thirty-four are open to the public. The twelve Buddhist temples, seventeen Hindu temples and the five Jain temples were built close to one another and illustrate the religious harmony that existed in ancient India.

The Hindu caves are very ornate with beautiful sculptures and the Buddhist and Jain temples are more simplistic in construction. The Jain caves are located at the northern side and mainly belong to the Digambara sect. These cave temples are smaller than the Hindu and Buddhist cave temples and abound in intricate and detailed carvings. The Buddhist cave temples are located on the southern side and have exquisite wood like sculpting made on stone. The Buddhist caves had a semblance to monasteries with a Buddha shrine, huge halls, living quarters, sleeping quarters and other rooms.

The most notable among the cave temples is Kailasha, Cave 16 which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Unlike other temples at that site, the Kailash complex was built by cutting vertical basaltic rocks that allowed extensive natural light into the temple. This beautiful temple is 32metres high and is the largest rock-cut monument in the world

The cave temple is massive, covering twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens. In the main courtyard of the temple is the sculpture of Nandi, the sacred cow of Shiva that faces the Shiva lingam. The temple also has several intricately carved panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the adventures of Krishna. Beautifully carved monolithic pillars stand on either side of the courtyard and the ten large, exquisitely carved ornate panels depicting the different avatars of Lord Vishnu adorns the south eastern gallery. At the base of the temple are huge elephant sculptures that by their design and architecture, seem to support the whole structure on their backs.

The Ellora Caves are a must-see tourist attraction near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. It is a wonderful monument that illustrates the spirit of tolerance and harmony that existed among all religions in ancient India.