Monolithic architecture describes buildings that are carved, cast, or excavated
from a single piece of material, historically from rock. A monolithic rock-cut temple is chiseled out
of a single colossal rock in the shape of masonry or wooden temples including
embellishment on walls and others. The
Rock-cut structures occupy a very important place in Indian Architecture as
these structures were produced by cutting solid rocks. Most of the rock-cut
structures were closely associated with various religions and religious
activities. Several of rock-cut temples in
India belong to the most amazing achievements of ancient cultures worldwide.
This
world-famous rich cultural heritage is remarkably depicted through top ancient
monuments and wonderful temples. These majestic rock-cut temples and
architectures are one of the must-visit attractions for travelers from
India and abroad. In this article, read about the popular and the largest
rock-cut temple of India, the Kailash
temple, for a lifetime experience.
The
Kailash Mandir (Temple), Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India,
considered as one of the most colossal age-old rock-cut Hindu temples, forms
cave temple number 16 of Ellora, which is counted among the largest rock-cut temple
caves complexes of the world and marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among
the 100 caves of Ellora, 34 caves are open to the public of which the Kailash
temple shaped like a chariot is regarded as one of the most magnificent cave
temples in India.
The
Kailasa Mandir (Temple), Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India is a
structure that can never be built once again on earth. The largest Monolithic
Structure of the world is164 feet long, 108 feet wide, and 100 feet high. The mandir was cut out from solid basalt bedrock and was made only with chisels &
hammers. One of India’s greatest monuments, this astonishing temple, carved
from solid rock, was built by King Krishna I in AD 760 to represent Mt Kailasa (Kailash),
Lord Shiva’s abode. First of all three huge trenches were bored into the sheer
cliff face, which resulted in the removal of 2,00,000 tonnes of rock by hammer
and chisel, before the temple could take shape.
‘U’ shaped
cut temple
Dedicated
to Lord Shiva, the temple showcases fine architectural works including relief
panels depicting the two main Hindu Epics namely the Ramayana and the
Mahabharata. This cave temple is decorated with carved sculptures including
that of Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu Puranas, mystical beings, and figures
depicting fertility and good fortune.
The
temple houses several intricately carved pillars, depicting scenes from the
Ramayana, the Mahabharta, and the adventures of Lord Krishna too. You will
admire the immense monolithic pillars that stand in the courtyard.
And here
are a few mind-boggling facts about the Kailash Temple at Ellora:
·
The
Kailash temple at Ellora was made as a temple for Lord Shiva to look like Mount Kailash, the mystical abode of Shiva.
· The Kailash Temple is a standalone, multi-storeyed temple complex.
·
Mughal
ruler Aurangzeb had made a strong attempt to vandalize the Kailash Temple, but
could manage only minor damage, and that too not to the main structure.
·
The
rock temple was cut in 'U' shape
about 50 meters in the back, and about 2, 00,000 tonnes of rock was removed to
give shape to it. The archaeologists had calculated that it would have taken
more than a hundred years to finish the temple construction. However, in
reality, it took only 18 years to complete it. Interestingly, modern age
engineers find it impossible to finish the same temple using modern
technology in 18 years!
· It is believed that the Kailash Temple at Ellora has striking similarities to the Virupaksha temple of northern Karnataka.
Inputs courtesy Google, Wikipedia, envigblogs.com
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