LORD KAILASANATH OF ELAPURA

LOCATION AND FORM

The world Ellora seems to have derived from Elapura, a flourishing city in the past-during the Rastrakuta kings probably. It is evident that it acquainted fame as a centre of Buddhism even in the thrid century AD. It was called by other names such as Elura, Verule in the beginning of the Christian era. Later, along with Ajanta, it became one of the places of pilgrimage for Buddhists. It lies at about 20 KM north-west of Aurangabad. The Ellora caves group consists of 34 and are excavated in the face of hill at about 250-300 feet high. They are in the form of semicircle, resembling horse shoe and measure about 2 KM from north to south with two horns projecting towards the west. The Buddhist caves numbering 12 are situated at the southern, and are the earliest in the point of excavation. They begin at the spot where the curve bends westwards. Next comes the Brahminical numbering 17, and exactly at its final one begins the Jain caves numbering 5. All these 34; though excavated at different periods are contiguous to one another, and what is more are existing in harmony without tasting the fury of iconoclasts. Another remarkable feature that surfaces when probed deep is that there exists some striking resemblances in the scriptural adornments in certain caves. The Kailasanath temple occupies the central place with 16 caves to the south and approximately the same number to the north. Does this not emphasize the catholicity of Hinduism and religious tolerance of the builders? Hinduism not only preaches the ideal - 'Live and let live but implements it in toto. Always! The ascent to this cave is on the south side, situated next cave No.12, marking the end of the Buddha caves. Though all the 34 have many similarities, each beckons the visitors and entertains with individuality and novelty of its own.

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