Kailasa Temple in Ellora Caves compound in Maharashtra, India
Kailasa Temple in Ellora Caves compound in Maharashtra, India (© Mazur Travel/Shutterstock)
The world’s largest rock-cut monument
For most architects today, this would be a dream project, for the Kailasa temple at Ellora is considered one of the most spectacular rock-cut monuments in the world. Carved from a single, gigantic rock face, the temple’s sheer size and sculptural treatment are breathtaking. The Kailasa Temple is one of 100-odd rock-cut cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, around 30 km northwest of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Collectively called the ‘Ellora Caves’, these shrines and monastic complexes comprise 12 Buddhist caves, 17 Hindu temples, and 5 Jain temples built between 600 CE and 1000 CE.
© Mazur Travel/Shutterstock