- Shiva
Kailasanatha Temple
- Aurangabad,Maharashtra
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Overview
The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora dates back to the period of the 8th century Rashtrakoota ruler Krishna I . It is a rock cut monolithic temple built in the South Indian style.
About the Temple
The Kailasanatha temple exhibits typical Dravidian features. A gateway, an enclosure for Nandi, and a mandapam line up in front of the sanctum which is crowned with a vimanam, composed of successively receding storeys, decorated with miniature buildings. The mandapam in front of the sanctum is an enormous hypostyle hall with carved pillars. On either side of the Nandi Mandapam are two 50 feet high obelisk like pillars decorated with frieze carvings. A collonaded gallery running along the bottom of the cliff face, forms a deep narrow passage that surrounds the temple. In between this cliff face and the temple is the pradakshinapatha. The narrow passage mentioned above has two storeys of hypostyle halls and porticoed galleries (as in the Tiruchutru Maaligais of the Dravidian temples of Tamilnadu). The temple covers an area of over 60000 square feet, and the vimanam (tower) rises to a height of about 90 feet. It is to be emphasized over and over again, and seen to be believed that the entire monument was made by excavation and not by construction.
Legend and Stories
The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece contain the scenes of semi-mythological history, the royal court and popular life of the ancient times, as told in romances and plays. Some pictures recall the Greek and Roman compositions and proportions, few late resemble to Chinese manners to some extent. The most spectacular of these is the Kailasanatha temple, which is a colossal monolith with an ornate exterior, all carved out of the hillside. It was built during the period 757 and 773 CE.
Festivals
Every December, the Ellora festival of music and dance at the Kailasha Temple, which is attended by large number of people.
Accessibility
The nearest airport is in Aurangabad and the nearest railway station is also in Aurangabad. By road, the temple is well connected.
Temple Address
Kailasanatha Temple,
Aurangabad ,
Ellora,
Maharashtra.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 05:00 am to 7:00 pm.