Located about 30 km north of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are a remarkable testament to human artistry and devotion. Entirely carved from rock and dating back to the 5th century, this complex features 34 caves, transformed into temples dedicated to three religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Covering an area of 2 km in length, the caves can be explored in just a few hours. In 1983, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ellora was historically a significant trading center in the Deccan region, positioned on an ancient trade route from South Asia. The caves once served as monasteries for monks, temples for worship, and rest stops for pilgrims. Today, it is an archaeological site where you can marvel at the grandeur of Indian rock-cut architecture.
Along with the nearby Ajanta Caves, the Ellora Caves are one of the major tourist attractions in Maharashtra.
Most travelers visit Ellora from Aurangabad, as we did. You can either negotiate with a taxi for a private trip or book a tour that includes both Ellora and the Ajanta Caves.
Here are a couple of tour options so you can choose the one that suits you best:
The Buddhist caves at Ellora mostly date from the 5th and 6th centuries AD, with some later additions. These caves were constructed during the Rashtrakuta and Chalukya dynasties when Buddhism still had a strong presence in India.
The Buddhist caves are primarily viharas, or monasteries, containing cells, kitchens, and other rooms for Buddhist monks. The cave decorations are unique, with excavations designed to mimic wooden structures.
The caves are adorned with sculptures of Buddha in various poses (mudras) and reliefs depicting scenes from his life, as well as the spread of Buddhism.
The most famous is Cave 10, known as the Chaitya Hall or Vishvakarma Cave, commonly referred to as the Carpenter’s Cave. It is renowned for its ceiling, which replicates wooden beams carved from rock, and the large stupa inside.
Cave 5 is another impressive Buddhist cave, with a large hall supported by carved columns and cells for monks. Its ceiling is also adorned with images of Buddha and scenes from the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
The Hindu caves at Ellora, dating from the 6th to 8th centuries AD, are significant centers of Hindu worship. They are famous for their architectural detail and intricate sculptures, with rich Hindu iconography depicting deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Parvati, and others. You will also find reliefs portraying mythological stories and Hindu epics.
The standout among these is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, which is the centerpiece of the entire Ellora complex. This massive structure simulates a multi-story temple, carved out of the rock in one continuous piece.
Part of the Brahmanical group of caves, Kailasa Temple represents the sacred Mount Kailash, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas. The cave is decorated with detailed carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology and life, sculpted into the stone itself.
The Jain caves belong to the later phase of excavation at Ellora. Dating mainly from the 7th and 8th centuries AD, some smaller Jain caves were added in the 9th and 10th centuries.
These caves are characterized by their ascetic design, in line with Jain philosophy. They are dedicated to different tirthankaras, the saints and spiritual leaders of Jainism, and feature sculptures of yakshas, yakshis, and other Jain figures.
Noteworthy Jain caves include Chota Kailash (Cave 30), Indra Sabha (Cave 32), and Jagannatha Sabha (Cave 33). Cave 31, part of this group, remains unfinished.
