The world Heritage-listed cave temples of ellora, about from Aurangabad, are the pinnacle of deccan rock-cut architecture Over five centuries generation of Buddhist, hindu and jain monks carved monasteries, chapels and temple from a 2km – long escarpment and decorated them with a profusion of sculptures of remarkable imagination and detail

Because of the escarpment’s gentle slope in contrast to the sheer drop at Ajanta, many of the caves have elaborate courtyards in front of the main shrines. The caves run north – south and take on a golden radiance in the late-afternoon sun.In all there are 34 caves at ellora : 12 Buddhist ( AD 600 – 800 ), 17 Hindu ( AD 600 – 900 ) and five Jain ( 800 - 1000 ).

Ellora represents the renaissance of Hindusim Under the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties the subsequent decline of Indian Buddhism and a brief resurgence of Jainism under official patronage. The sculptural work at Ellora shows the increasing influence of Tantric element in India’s three great religions and their coexistence at one site indicates a prolonged period of religious tolerance. 

The masterpiece of Ellora is the astonishing Kailasa Temple ( cave 16 ). Dedicated to Shiva, it is the worlds largest monolithic sculpture hewn from the rock by 7000 labourers over a 150 year period. 

Entry to ellora is free except to the Kailasa Temple which costs US $ 10 for foreigners, Rs 10 forIndians. The caves are closed on Monday. Official guides can be hired at the ticket office in front of the Kailasa Temple for Rs 245 for up to four hour. They speak English and have a sound Knowledge of the cave architecture. There’s a selection of guidebooks available at the site.For three days in December the Kaliasa Temple is the backdrop for the annual Ellora Dance & music Festival. 

Buddhist Caves 

The southernmost 12 caves are all Buddhist viharas, except cave 10 which is a chaitya. While the earliest caves are quite simple Caves 11 and 12 are much more ambitions probably in an attempt to compete with the more impressive Hindu temples. 

Cave 1 to 4

Cave one is the simplest vihara and may have been a granary. Cave solidly on the earth. Caves 3 and 4 are earlier simpler and less well preserved.

Cave 5

This is the largest vihara in this group 18m wide and 36m long; the rows of stone benches indicate that I may have been an assembly or dining hall. 

Caves 6 to 9

As well as the large seated Buddha in the shrine room of cave 6, this ornate vihara also has wonderful images of Tara ( on the left ) consort of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. And of the Buddhist goddess of learning, Mahamayuri looking remarkably similar to her Hindu equivalent saraswati. Cave 9 is notable for its wonderfully carved façade