Carved from a Single Rock
What sets the Kailash Temple apart from any other architectural feat is its method of construction. This temple was carved vertically and horizontally from a single piece of basalt rock. Starting from the top and working downward, ancient artisans meticulously crafted every detail with exceptional precision. It is believed that nearly 200,000 tonnes of rock were removed to create this awe-inspiring structure, showcasing engineering skills that continue to baffle experts.
The precision is remarkable – every cut and measurement had to be flawless, as there was no option to alter or add pieces of rock later. Even today, one can see the drill marks left by steel rods used to shape the temple. It remains the world’s only structure carved entirely from the top down.
A Feat Achieved in Just 18 Years
Constructed during the reign of the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (756–773 CE), the Kailash Temple’s completion defied expectations. While archaeologists initially estimated it would take more than a century to finish, this monumental task was completed in just 18 years using traditional tools and techniques, long before modern technology existed.
The temple’s U-shaped excavation stretches 50 meters into the Charanandri Hills. Its sheer size and scale make it a marvel of human perseverance and dedication.
Resembling Mount Kailash
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kailash Temple is designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the sacred abode of the deity. Intricate details, such as the Nandi mandapa, a 15-meter-tall victory pillar, and monolithic elephant statues, add to its grandeur. The temple was originally coated in white plaster to give it the appearance of being covered in snow, akin to Mount Kailash. Traces of this plaster can still be seen today.
The Kailash Temple is larger in area than the Parthenon in Greece, covering an incredible 195 feet in length, 145 feet in width, and 90 feet in height. Its size and intricate design rival the Taj Mahal in Agra and place it among the greatest architectural achievements in history.
Every inch of the Kailash Temple showcases exceptional artistry. The temple is adorned with detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various Hindu mythological tales. Notable sculptures include:
- Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailash
- Panels of the ten avatars of Vishnu
- Monolithic elephants and lions symbolically supporting the temple
These carvings not only highlight the artistic brilliance of the time but also provide a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural ethos of ancient India.
The Kailash Temple has withstood the test of time – and aggression. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who ordered the destruction of numerous Hindu temples, sent 1,000 men in 1682 to demolish the Kailash Temple. Despite working for three years, they managed to inflict only minimal damage. Aurangzeb eventually gave up, as the temple’s solid rock structure proved indestructible.
Mind-blowning! The Kailash Temple isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of human excellence and divine inspiration. To this day, researchers, architects, and tourists from around the world are mesmerized by its sheer scale and intricate details.
The Kailash Temple of Ellora is not merely a structure; it is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who behold it. It truly transcends boundaries, remaining one of the greatest achievements in human history.
Source / Image Credit : architectanddesign, Trawell, Reddit, TheTravelt, Medium