Ellora Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries that were built between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. The caves are located in the Sahyadri hills and are carved out of solid basalt rock.
The caves are divided into three groups - Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain - and each group has its own distinct architectural style. The Buddhist caves are the oldest and were built between the 6th and 7th centuries CE. They consist of five caves that were used for meditation and worship. The Hindu caves were built between the 7th and 8th centuries CE and consist of 17 caves. They are dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga. The Jain caves were built between the 9th and 10th centuries CE and consist of 12 caves. They are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures.
The most famous cave at Ellora is Cave 16, also known as the Kailash Temple. It is the largest monolithic structure in the world and was built in the 8th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a masterpiece of Indian rock-cut architecture. It is carved out of a single piece of rock and took over 200 years to complete.
The Ellora Caves are a testament to the religious harmony that existed in ancient India. The fact that Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves were built side by side is a testament to the tolerance and acceptance that was prevalent in Indian society at the time. The caves are a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian history and architecture.