Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Kailasa Temple is the largest rock-cut cave temple in the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra. The entire temple is carved out of a single rock and the origins of this temple date back to the 8th century. It showcases the talent and craftsmanship of the ancient Indian artisans. Visiting this temple is thus a non-negotiable affair. When you are curating your travel plans across Maharashtra, especially to Ellora Caves, ensure to prioritise the Kailasa Temple on top of your travel plans.
Quick Details About Kailasa Temple
Kailasa Temple Address: Ellora, Verul, Maharashtra 431102
Kailasa TempleTimings: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday closed)
Creator: Krishna I (756–773 CE), Rashtrakuta Empire
Opened: 773 AD
Deity: Kailasanatha (Shiva)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Aurangabad Railway Station
About Kailasa Temple Ellora
Photo: Bhajish Bharathan / Wikimedia Commons
The Kailasa Temple (also known as Kailasanatha Temple) is one of the 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries located within the Ellora Cave complex. According to historical evidence, the construction of the temple took 20 years and involved the removal of more than 200,000 tons of volcanic basalt rock. The construction of the temple took place with traditional Dravidian architecture. The entire structure of the temple features carvings, massive pillars, and detailed depictions of deities, animals, and mythological scenes. Kailasa Temple is called so due to its resemblance with Mount Kailasa, the Himalayan abode of Lord Shiva.
How To Reach Kailasa Temple
Photo: Niks887 / Wikimedia Commons
Since the temple is located inside the Ellora Caves, the nearest city to the temple is Aurangabad, so you’d need to plan your commute accordingly:
By Air: You can take a flight to Aurangabad Airport from nearby cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. After you land, you can hire a taxi to take you to the temple.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Aurangabad Railway Station, located around 30 km away. You will need to hire local transportation from outside the station to get to the temple.
By Road: Ellora Caves is well connected by road to Aurangabad and other nearby cities. Regular buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) ply between Aurangabad and Ellora. Alternatively, you can hire taxis for a more comfortable journey.
Things To Do At Kailasa Temple
The Kailasa Temple, located in the heart of the Ellora Caves complex, has a variety of unique experiences that you have to indulge in:
1. Explore The Architecture And Sculptures
Photo: Sankarshanmukhopadhyay / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond the religious significance of the temple, the main attraction of this temple is the carvings and the sculptures. While you are inside the temple, that’s the first thing that you have to pay close attention to. As you walk through the temple, you’ll notice that every inch of its walls and pillars is adorned with finely detailed carvings. These include stunning depictions of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ravana, and scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The famous sculpture of Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is one of the highlights.
2. Walk Around The Courtyard
Photo: Sharvarism / Wikimedia Commons
Since the temple is inside Ellora Caves, the surrounding courtyard around the temple complex is truly worth exploring. The courtyard is where the temple makes an impression in terms of its monolithic nature. Walking through it gives you a better understanding of the amount of rock that was removed to create this masterpiece. Since the temple was carved from the top down, a walk around the courtyard truly provides a reflection of the carving process from up close.
3. Attend Guided Tours And Audio Tours
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Another significant experience inside the temple that you have to partake in is a guided tour. Some guides offer an in-depth rundown of the temple’s history and the detailing around it. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, consider opting for an audio tour. You’d have to book a guide in advance or check for audio tour availability at the entrance to get a comprehensive understanding of the site.
4. Meditate In The Main Shrine
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
The heart of the Kailasa Temple is the sanctum or the inner chamber. Here the main deity, Lord Shiva, resides in the form of a lingam. Since this is the most spiritual and sacred spot inside the temple, many devotees often spend their time meditating inside. If you are looking for a break from all the walking and want to soak in the peace, this is a pretty great activity.
Places To Visit Around Kailasa Temple
Once you’ve explored the Kailasa Temple, several other attractions in the vicinity are worth visiting, starting with the Ellora Caves:
1. Ellora Caves Complex
Photo: Arundhati Pathak / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Kailasa Temple is just one part of the expansive Ellora Caves complex, which consists of 34 caves. These caves represent three different religious traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Buddhist Caves are marked through 1-12, while the Jain Caves are marked through 30-34. Every distinct spot around the cave complex offers a glimpse into the enriching history of India. Take your time to witness the detailing and the sculptures inside.
Distance From Kailasa Temple: 300 metres
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Grishneshwar Temple
Photo: Udaykumar PR / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to continue your trip exploring the religious sites in the area dedicated to Lord Shiva, Grishneshwar Temple is a must-visit. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and an important pilgrimage site. The temple is relatively small compared to Kailasa Temple but holds immense spiritual significance. You can offer your prayers and seek blessings from the deity. It is believed that visiting and worshipping inside the temple takes away the hurdles in one’s life.
Distance From Kailasa Temple: 1.3 km
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
3. Daulatabad Fort
Photo: Jhuma Datta / Wikimedia Commons
Another historical destination located close to the Kailasa Temple is the Daulatabad Fort. It was originally called Devagiri and is a massive hilltop fortress, which is located a short distance from the Ellora Caves. The fort dates back to the 12th century and is renowned for its ingenious defence mechanisms, including a deep moat, secret passageways, and high walls. You have to embark on a challenging ascent to reach the top but it’s worth the views from the top.
Distance From Kailasa Temple: 13 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Given the number of tourist attractions available around the Kailasa Temple and Ellora Caves, you’d need a day or two to explore them all. So, booking your stay nearby in Aurangabad is the best option. Some of the well-rated properties worth considering are Hotel Kailas, Ellora Heritage Resort and Hotel Green Olive.
Where To Eat
Photo: Aditya Mara / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
After you are done with worshipping and exploring the temple and the cave complex, you are bound to get hungry. There are local restaurants and resorts available from where you can indulge in some amazing food. A few of the restaurants worth checking out are Ellora Restaurant, Hotel Surya Restaurant and Shri Sai Mewad Bhojnalay.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Akshay Prakash / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers:
- Consider planning the visit during weekdays and early mornings to beat the crowd.
- Since you will be walking quite a bit, comfortable footwear is a mandate.
- There are no food and water facilities inside the cave complex, so carry your own.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a better experience.
- Avoid using flash during photography inside the cave complex.
A visit to the Ellora Caves is incomplete without visiting Kailasa Temple. Being one of the most iconic Shiva temples in Maharashtra, this religious destination draws in tourists from across the country. As you are chalking up the plans for your next trip to Maharashtra with TripXL, ensure that you dedicate a day to exploring the temple and the ancient Ellora Cave Complex too.
Cover Photo: Shreyans69 / Wikimedia Commons
