LORD KAILASANATH OF ELAPURA

Scenes depicting Siva Parvathi's wedding, Bhairava, Lord Siva rising out of the Siva linga to protect Markendaya, elephants pouring water over Mother Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu reclining on the five-hooded serpent, Vanara and Narasimha are superb and the stone cutter's artistry is admirable. The scenes representing Lord Siva inside a linga, and another where he is depicted as going in a chariot to fight against Tarakasura are adorning the southern wall. Each piece entertains and every episode elevates.

The Kailasanath cave coming next tops the rest and is the best in every aspect. It greets the visitors with two gigantic Dwarapalakas. It is vast measuring 164' x 109' and 96 feet in height. Its three parts - porch, hall and shrine are imposing in style, stature and sculpture. The walls are richly decorated with scenes from the Ramayana. On the southern side lie the statues of Ganesh and the seven Goddesses. The porch and shrine are connected by a bridge. The corridors too are adorned with several representations of Vishnu and Siva mainly, besides many other gods of the Hindu pantheon. Though it is an integral part, it stands apart and opens up a treasure house of sculpture and serves a feast too the visitors with its marvelous carvings, inside as well as outside. 

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