Kailāśanātha temple is the largest of
the rock-cut Hindu temples at the Ellora
Caves, Aurangabad,
Maharshtra. A megalith carved from a rock cliff face, it is
considered one of the most remarkable cave
temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment,
and "the climax of the rock-cut phase of Indian
architecture". The
top of the superstructure over the sanctuary is 32.6 metres (107 feet) above
the level of the court below, although the rock face slopes downwards from
the rear of the temple to the front. Archaeologists believe it is made from a single rock.
The Kailasa temple (Cave 16)
is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries
known collectively as the Ellora Caves, ranging for over 2
kilometres (1.5 miles) along the sloping basalt cliff at the
site. Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the
eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna I ( 756 – 773),
with some elements completed later.
The temple architecture shows traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles. The temple contains a number
of relief and free-standing sculptures on a grand
scale equal to the architecture, though only traces remain of the paintings
which originally decorated it. (wiki)
I recall seeing an elevated
structure which many elephants are holding on their heads. An amazing sight
indeed. It
is said that the temple is built by Viswakarma- the celestial builder for Gods,
because human beings cannot do so. And if done by human intelligence, hats off
to those wonderful/visionary builders. As the temple is made by cutting/excavating
one big rock, what must have been the artistry of the persons involved?
This temple could be considered as one of
the wonders of the world. Just like Pyramid, the vision of the
builders was par excellence. This temple/structure/vision will merit
a wonder of the world status.
Sad indeed, we have not
sufficiently highlighted/showcased its glory, due to prolonged slave mentality accumulated over centuries due to
rules by invaders from the East and West. When I visited this monument a decade
back it looked in disrepair. If only someone could resurrect
it to its original glory, it will challenge any modern or old wonders of the
world hands down. But then,
some one must take the initiative.
We don’t have any pride in our own legacy, so it appears in many matters. Before the Copa football cup final today, Neymar the Brazilian footballer lambasted some of his countrymen for backing Argentina, against home country!
Argentina won the match. When own countrymen want the other county to win, then even God cannot help in such cases. Brazil's story is pertinent to all right thinking people.
So, we can take solace that it is an international phenomenon
to look down on our own achievements and legacy.
Can we afford that luxury?
Worth
a thought. Isn’t it ?
Be happy. Be safe.
ॐ तत् सत्
7 30 AM
Write up is g8 and obvious.
ReplyDeleteYour so vast knowledge, study is reflected through.👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻
You are doing a great contribution for the well being of all.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up.
My best wishes.
Regards.
Thank u so much. Could gain a lot of spiritual knowledge from your writings. Feeling so blessed to receive them. Stay blessed. 🌸🌸🌷🌷🌷
ReplyDeleteI have visited some of your blogs. Srikrishna temple in Guruvayoor is one of them.Well explained .
ReplyDeleteThere are number of stories about Guruvayoor temple and it is difficult to explain all those.
But in short a well description is given by you.
Recently I heard that Guruvayoor temple had 64 elephants and now it is reduced to 46.
When time permits I will go through the other blogs also.
Good and dedicated work.Keep it up and get going.
Good luck and good wishes.
Thank you sir, for showcasing such a wonderful culture of ours.
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet blog. It is true that quite often we praise other countries without realising that we are much ahead of all of them in regard to our own culture and civilisation. Your blogs help us to introspect.
ReplyDeleteKailasnath temple history presented beautifully.
ReplyDeleteAs rightly mentioned we don't attach any greatness to our own culture/history/monuments.
On the other hand the invaders, who destroyed our heritage/culture are portrayed as heroes.
What a paradox?
A reader.
Very nice.
ReplyDeleteI read your piece on Kailash temple, very informative 👍🏼
Very informative blog Sir, a devine megalithic construction which could only have been possible with unseen hand of Lord Mahadev.....read as per a legend when a king was severely ill, his queen prayed to the god Shiva that her husband would be cured. In return for his health, the queen vowed to construct a temple in Shiva's name and fast until the shikhara, or peak, of the temple was completed. The king quickly got better and construction began on the temple, but to the couple's horror, they realized it would take years for the shikhara to emerge. Luckily, a clever engineer came along and explained that by starting from the top of the mountain, he could make the temple's shikhara appear within a week. This was much to the relief of the queen, who could quickly finish her fast and thus, the temple was constructed from the top down. This required excavation of 20000 tons of volcanic rock........ a challange to the present day architectural wizards. 🙏🕉🔱
ReplyDeleteThank you Arunji for relevant details.That is why I always felt that this temple deserves more attention as its construction is unique and unparalleled.Why are we shy of projecting its majesty to the world,I wonder.
ReplyDelete