If you want to better know the history of the ruling dynasties and religious cults of India, the preserved architectural monuments will help you, clearly telling about the greatness of the ancient empires. Of course, one of the most important monuments ancient history are cave temples India who served asylum and the main center of learning for the followers of Buddhism of Hinduism and Jainism since the beginning of our era.
The most famous and well-preserved cave temples are located in the state of Maharashtra near the city of Aurangabad - ancient capital Mogolsky Empire. Long before the arrival of Mughal, this region was the center for the development of trade and religion. The ancient trading routes were held through the plains of Dean and the pilgrims found themselves asylum in the caves, which were rebuilt under spiritual monastery.
I want to tell about cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora - True diamonds of ancient Indian art and architecture. Even at the beginning of our era, trading routes were existed in the territory of the Plateau Dean (Modern State of Maharashtra), together with the merchants they walked the first Buddhist devotees, carrying their faith in the territory south India. To escape from seasonal rains and the caring sun, the travelers needed. Construction of monasteries and temples - the matter is long and costly, so the first pilgrims chose their asylum caves in rocky Mountainswho gave coolness in the heat and remained dry in the rainy season.
The first Buddhist caves were cut into 2 century BC, then these were simple and uncomplicated asylum. Later at the turn of the 4-6 centuries, the cave temple complexes went into the huge monastery cities, where hundreds of monks lived, and the caves turned into three-storey monasteries, skillfully decorated with sculptures and wall paintings.
IN cave cities Ajanta and Ellora consistently confessed by three religions - Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Now in the complexes you can see the ancient statues and the wall painting of these three religions. Thus, the first inhabitants of the cave cities were Buddhists, then the Hinduses came, and the jaistan temples were cut out the last time, although it is possible that the followers of all religions got along here at the same time, creating a tolerant religious society in the middle of the first millennium.
Ajanta
Cave temple complex Ajanta is 100 km from the city of Aurangabad, it is located in the direction of the Waghur River and cut out from the 2nd century BC. in the middle of the 7th century AD Over the centuries, the ancient sculptors were methodically removed from the basalt breed and the interior of the caves was decorated with elegant sculptures and frescoes.
At the end of the 5th century, the Harishna dynasty fell, which was the main sponsor of the construction of the caves, and gradually the complex was abandoned. Monks left their secluded abode, and local residents Gradually, forgot about the existence of cave temples. The jungle was absorbed by the cave, inspiring the inputs with a thick layer of vegetation. In the caves, an artificial microclimate was formed, which preserved the fresco fresco to our times, which are not only in India, but all over the world. Thus, the caves reported to this day the beauty of ancient masters.
The complex was discovered by the British Army officer John Smith in 1819 during a tiger hunting. From the opposite shore r. Waghar he saw the arch of the cave number 10.
"Graffiti" officer John Smith, which he left in 1819.
Later, 30 caves were discovered, the complex was cleared and partially renovated, and in 1983, the complex of cave temples of the Ajant was included in world Heritage UNESCO.
Now it is one of the most famous sights of Central India. On the this moment In the complex you can visit 28 caves belonging to the Buddhist tradition. In the caves 1,2,9,11,16,17, ancient frescoes are preserved and in the caves of 9,10,19,26 you will see an elegant Buddhist sculpture.
Some caves served as a place of execution of rituals and group prayers, they are called "said" or meetings for assembly, others served as the habitat of the monks, they are called "Vihar" or monasteries. Caves have different layout and degree of decoration.
Some caves are at the development stage, according to these examples, it is clearly seen as the construction of the complex occurred.
From the opposite shore, the Waghar River offers a beautiful view of the entire complex, the scale of the complex is really impressive.
Earlier, each cave had its own personal descent to the river for the fence of drinking water, a system of accumulation of rainwater was developed, and watercourse during the monsoon period. Walls of most caves were painted by detailed frescoes, the secret of the application of which is still not solved, individual well-preserved sites convince us at a high level of skill of the ancient painters, and before the eyes there is a forgotten story and customs of those centuries.
"Business card" Ajanta - Padmapani Bodhisatata Image!
Of course, visiting the cave temples Ajanta will create one of the most interesting impressions of India, but it will not be complete without a visit to the Ellora complex, which is nearby. Despite the fact that both complexes are similar in the idea, they are absolutely different on execution.
Ellora
The cave temple complex of Ellora, is 30 km from Aurangabad, the complex was cut off in the period 5-11th century, and there are 34 caves, 12 of which Buddhist (1-12) 17 Hindu (13-29) and 5 Jain (30-34) Breeding in chronological compliance.
If the Ajantta complex is famous for its frescoes, then in Ellore is an unconditional sculpture. The true dawn of Ellora acquired the adjant with fading, apparently the majority of monks and masters moved here since 6 in AD. In Ellore, the viewer shakes the scale of buildings, so for example, some caves are three-story "Vihar" - monasteries where it could live to several hundred monks of monks. Of course, this scope shocks, especially if you consider that the construction dates refer to 5-7 centuries AD.
But the truth of the pearl complex is temple of Kailasanath (Vladyka Kailas) or cave №16.
This 30-meter temple was carved for 100 years within the 8th century. For its construction, 400,000 tons of mining basalt breed was extracted, while not one item was not entered into the temple outside, everything was cut into the mountain basalt breed from top to bottom as on a modern 3D printer. Of course, I have not met anything like this anywhere in India. This masterpiece of ancient architecture rises for one level with the temples "Angor Wat" in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma, that's just the dates of construction almost for the millennium before!
The temple is allegia sacred Mountain Kailas in Tibet, on which the Lord Shiva was in meditation. Previously, the whole temple was covered with white plaster, in order to resemble a snowy vertex of Kailas, all sculptures were skillfully painted with paints, the details of which can be seen and now, many church galleries are decorated with detailed stone carvings. To understand the greatness of the temple of Kailasanath, he must be seen with his own eyes. Photos with difficulty can convey its greatness and beauty!
Aurangabad
Temples Ajanta and Ellora attract many tourists from India and from around the world, on holidays here can be quite crowded, and in order to better understand the story in stone, it is recommended to inspect the guide.The database for inspecting the temples is better to choose the city of Aurangabad, there are many hotels for every taste and wallet, you can get here by train, plane or bus from Mumbai and Goa. Vacationers in Goa can combine visiting the cave temples with a beach holiday.
In addition to the cave temples, the city itself stores many historical monuments, the truth is much later. In the 17th century, the Great Mogolsky Sultan Aurangazeb rules here. The most impressive monument of the time is the Mausoleum "Bibik McBare", which is often called a small taj. This beautiful Mausoleum from White Marble erected Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife Raby Ud Douran, he has big similarity With Taj Mahal in Agra, where the mother of Aurangseeb is buried.
A visit to the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora is definitely one of the brightest and memorable impressions of India.
A trip to Aurangabad is easy to make in 2 days, the inspection of cave temples will be an excellent addition to rest on goa beaches. Join our tours and open the ancient treasures of India.
One of the most amazing and popular for tourists - cave Ellora.
How to get to the caves Ellora?
Caves are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, or rather in Northern Maharashtra, approximately 30 kilometers west of town Aurangabad. The nearest airport is there in Aurangabad. A plane ticket from Moscow costs about 26,000 rubles. At Aurangabad Airport, you can rent a car and get to the caves in 2 hours. To visit India, citizens of Russia do not need to make a visa and it pleases.
34 Ellora caves dated between the 6th and 9th centuries of our era are a mixture of several religions: Buddhists, Hindus and Jainists.
Caves were extracted from volcanic rocks along a 2-kilometer plot west Embankment. 34 large caves are numbered consistently, and not in chronological order, starting from the Buddhist group (Caves 1-13) in the south. Other groups of Brahmin Pantheon (Caves 14-29) and Jainism (Caves 30-34). The most notable monument is the cave 16, Kailas Temple, which is the climax of rock architecture, with huge sculptural reliefs, sublime overall symbolism of the temple, such as cosmic mountains and Shiva House.
When you look at these majestic sculptures, admire the ancient sculptors. The most incredible thing about these caves, that they were made manually, only with the help of hammer and chisel. Ello caves are famous for their unique architecture. You will see excellent paintings inside the Kailas Temple, and climbing the hill around him. Its huge sizes are stunned, he is twice as many Pantheon Square in Athens and one and a half times higher. Best time To visit the caves: November - March, when cooler and dry.
When to visit the cave Ellora?
Opening time: 9 am and to sunset (about 5:30 pm). Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays, but open on days national holidays. Nevertheless, try to avoid visiting these days, crowds of tourists can be crazy, and you will not get pleasant impressions. Capture a flashlight with you, as many places are quite dark.
Ellora caves are free for visiting, with the exception of the magnificent temple under open sky Kailas, whose visit is $ 5. Children under 15 skip free.
Who is interested in music and dancing should visit these places at the end of the year. In the last week of November of each year, a festival is held within 4 days. The most outstanding singers and dancers of India take part in the festival.
There is no doubt that this place will remain in your heart for many years, here you can even feel the presence of Buddha.
Attractions nearby
The Ellora caves look at the complex with the cave monastery of the Adenha (2 century D.N.E. - 5th century AD), which is nearby.
With the fact that India is amazing country, no one will argue. Not only lovers come here beach holidaysBut those who are guarding to know all the secrets of the universe and feed themselves spiritual food. Indian spiritual practices are known all over the world, because they originated here. Until now, scientists with admiration and reverence are studying the ancient temple complexes, affecting the imagination of modern people with their beauty and monumentality. There are many such places in India, but one of them is forever imprinted in memory of curious tourists, and this is the cave Ellora. At first glance, the complex of these structures comes a thought about their extraterrestrial origin, as it is difficult to imagine that the hands of a person were able to create this in the thicker of the basalt breed incredible beauty. Today, all temples included in this historical monumentincluded in the list World Heritage UNESCO. They are carefully guarded from destruction, but the Indians themselves are still belonging to them as a shrine, observing a special ritual of behavior when approaching the temple. The article will be told that they are caves Ellora, and describes the most famous and beautiful temples of this unique complex.
Brief description of the complex
India Today is a completely civilized country, at first glance, much different from many others. However, it is worth a little away from tourist quarters And look at the life of ordinary people to understand that the Indians are incredibly distinctive. The modern rules and laws with ancient traditions and rites are good in them. Therefore, the spirit of sacred knowledge is still alive here, for which many Europeans come to India.
Ellora is signal place For any resident of the country. It is on a par with such the greatest monuments of world culture as pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Scientists have been studying the caves of Ellora for many years and during this time they could not push any reliable version, which could explain the appearance of dozens of temples in this place.
So what is an ancient temple complex? The cave temples are located in the Indian state of Maharashtra, which today is the place of pilgrimage of tourists from all over the world. The complex itself is conditionally divided into three parts, as in fact in the caves are cut from the basalt three groups of temples. Each belongs to a certain religion. Total in the caves Ellora thirty-four shrines. Of them:
- twelve belong to Buddhists;
- seventeen created by the Hindus;
- five are Janai.
Despite this, scientists do not share the complex on the part. If you look at the UNESCO World Heritage List, then the temples are not described separately. For historians and archaeologists, they are of interest in the complex.
In the temples, Ellora is full amazing mysteries. Everything is impossible to bypass them in one day, so many tourists stop near the complex in a small hotel and live there for several days to inspect the entire complex. And it is worth it, because so far in the temples in their places there are ancient sculptures, bas-reliefs and other decorations. All this is cut out of the stone and has been preserved almost in priority. Shiva sculptures, for example, are striking with their accuracy and fineness of work. It seems that the Divine force led the hand of the master when he created such masterpieces.
History of creating a unique complex
It is amazing, but still no explanation is found to why and for which the temples in Ellore were built. It is difficult to imagine what kind of genius could have come about hollowing in a dense stone breed of a large-scale complex of temples. Scientists make only assumptions on this score.
Many agree that the temples in Ellore (India) arose on the place of a lively trading path. India in the Middle Ages led an active trading in their goods. From here exported spices, the finest silk and other fabrics, gems And figurines with skillful carvings. All this was sold for huge money mainly to European countries. Trade was Boyko, and merchants and Maharaja rich. However, in order not to be needed, they donated their money for the construction of temples. There are always many trading tracks. different people, including masters. With them and agreed about the work of the merchant. In order for gold to not leaving these places, the temples were built right here. In addition, everyone who donated money, could at any time check how the masters were ordered.
Scientists believe that the first structures in Ellore appeared at the beginning of the sixth century. In general, temples were erected a century and a half. However, some decorations and improvements are dated later time - the ninth century.
Therefore, scientists consider the Ellora temple complex not just a cultural monument, but rather a peculiar textbook on the history of religion. On sculptures, decorations and bas-reliefs, you can learn how the religious beliefs of the Indians change over several centuries.
Features of the temple complex
Scientists when studying temples determined that they were erected by groups according to religion. The first were Buddhist structures, they began to be built in the fifth-sixth centuries and are represented by a large number of temples. Gradually, Buddhism in all parts of the country was replaced by Hinduism and the following group of structures was built by the canons of this religion. Ganai monasteries appeared in Ellare. They turned out to be the most few.
One of the facilities of Ellora, which today is considered one of the most beautiful, the Temple of Kailasanatha was built in the thirteenth century. Its construction was funded by the Rastrakutov Dynasty. Its representatives were felt rich, and in their influence could be compared even with the rulers of the Byzantine Empire.
All temples have their numbering. It was made by scientists in order to facilitate the study of the structures of the complex. However, tourists are usually not focused on inspection to these numbers. They are armed with lanterns and go to a meeting with an amazing Indian history.
Buddhist part of the temple complex
Since these temples were erected the very first, then they examine their tourists first. In this part of the complex there is a huge number of buddha sculptural images. They are performed very skillfully and depict Buddha in different poses. If you gather them together, they will tell the history of his life and enlightenment. According to religious rules, all sculptures are turned to face east. Interestingly, some Buddhist temples look unfinished. For some reason, the masters stopped and did not bring work to the end. Others have a stepped architecture. They are tiers climb up and have a lot of niches in which the Buddha sculpture was placed.
The most memorable temples of this part of the complex are:
- temple Tin Thhal;
- rameshwara complex.
They will be described in detail in the following sections of the article.
Interestingly, Buddhist temples (India) in Ellare consist not only from halls for prayer. Here you can see the cells of the monks, where they lived for a long time. Some premises were intended for meditation. In this part of the complex there are caves, which in the future tried to remake under other temples. However, the process was not completed.
Pearl of the Buddhist part of Elllar
To see such a majestic and harsh construction, which is Tin Thhal, it is necessary to go down twenty-meters down. To the foot of the temple leads a very narrow stone staircase. Going away, the tourist turns out to be a narrow gate. Before his eyes will be massive columns of square shape. The masters have placed them in three rows, each rises to height for sixteen meters.
Going to the gate, curious turns out to be on the site, where it is necessary to go down for another thirty meters. And then the gaze opens the spacious halls, and from the semi-painting caves here, then the Buddha figures are poured there. All the halls are framed by the same impressive colon. All this spectacle leaves a truly indelible impression.
Temple of Rameshwara in the caves
This temple looks no less majestically than the previous one. However, it is performed completely in another style. The main decoration of the facade of Rameshwara are women's sculptures. They seemed to hold his walls, while the statues look simultaneously gracefully and sternly.
The facades of the temple are distinguished by the thick thread. It is made in such a way that from afar resembles hands raised to the sky. But it is worth coming to the temple closer, as bas-reliefs seem to come to life, and they can see the plots on the religious theme.
Everyone who is drifting to go to this stone Templeturns out in a dense ring fantastic beings. Sculptures are made so skillfully, which create a full illusion of life. They seem to be drawn to a person trying to grab it and leave it forever in the dark and dampness.
On the walls of the temple, real animals depicted, scenes from the life of ordinary people and gods watching them. Interestingly, when changing the illumination of the picture is modified, which gives them an unprecedented reality.
Many tourists write that this temple struck them most and left the feeling of an undisclosed mystical mystery.
Hindu temples
This part of ELLARA was a bit different than the previous one. The fact is that Buddhist masters erected their temples from the bottom-up, but the Hindu temples workers were built according to other technologies. The masters began to cut off excess from the top and only then passed to the base of the temple.
Almost all the facilities are dedicated to God Shiv here. Sculptures and bas-reliefs with its images cover the entire surface of the temples and inner courtyards. Moreover, in all seventeen temples, Shiva is the main person. Interestingly, only a few compositions are devoted to Vishnu. Such an approach is uncharactertene for Hindu structures. So far, scientists do not know why all temples in this part of the complex have dedication to only one God.
Next to the temples are premises for monks, places for prayer and meditation, as well as celi for privacy. In this, both parts of the complex are practically identical.
Experts believe that construction has ended to the eighth century. The most significant object for tourists here is Kailash. This temple is often called the "roof of the world" because of its unusual location on the top of the hill. In antiquity, his walls were painted in white, which was perfectly visible from afar and reminded the top of the mountain, in honor of which he received its name. Many tourists first go to inspect this unusual constructions. About him I. will we are talking In the next section of the article.
Kailasanatha: the most amazing sanctuary
The Kailasanatha (Kailash), according to legends and legends, was raised long one hundred and fifty years. It is believed that about seven thousand workers worked at the construction site, which for all the time they made more than four hundred thousand tons of basalt breed. However, many doubt the reliability of these information, because, according to preliminary estimates, the specified number of people could not cope with such a large-scale project. After all, besides the construction of the temple itself, they had to perform a thread. And she, by the way, glorified the temple to the whole world.
The sanctuary is a temple of thirty-meters high, its width is thirty-three meters, and the length of more than sixty meters. Even from afar kaylasanatha amazing the imagination of any person, and near he leaves an indelible impression even among archaeologists who seen before this mass of the bizarre structures of antiquity.
It is believed that the disposal about the construction of the sanctuary gave Raja from the Rastratkutov dynasty. He had big influence In India and was very rich. At the same time, Raja was very talented, as he independently developed a project of the temple. All sculptures, carving and bas-reliefs were invented by him.
As for construction technologies, here scientists are simply bred by their hands. They did not meet anymore in any corner of the world. The fact is that the workers began to cut it from the top. In parallel, they trained in the depths of the hill, so that the other could engage in the inner halls and their decoration. Most likely, at this stage of construction, the sanctuary resembled a well, surrounded by people from all sides.
Kailasanatha devoted to God Shiva and had a very important For Hindu. It was assumed that he would perform the role of a certain intermediate link between the gods and ordinary people. Through these gates, they had to communicate with each other, thereby bringing the world to Earth.
The temple has a lot of decorative elements. Amazing, but on the surfaces of the sanctuary, whether it is a ceiling, walls or gender, there is not a single centimeter of a smooth stone. The entire temple is completely from the floor to the ceiling inside and outside are covered with patterns. It amazes, surprises and delights at the same time.
Conditionally, the temple is divided into three parts, but in reality it has a large number of rooms with sculptures of Shiva and other gods. For example, the image of the Demon Ravana is often found in the sanctuary. He, according to religious beliefs of the Hindus, is the lord of the dark forces.
Jainse Caves
Many tourists advise to start an inspection from these temples, since after the magnificence of the Hindu and Buddhist sanctiors, unfinished structures will not make a proper impression. It is known that this religion could not conquer the Hindus. It was spread quite short. Perhaps this is associated with some modesty of temples. In addition, almost all of them are unfinished.
Even with a fluent inspection of the caves noticeably that the temple complexes already built in them repeat. However, masters could not even approach the perfection of such sanctoes as Kailasanatha or Tin Thhal.
Europeans quite often violate the rules of conduct in the Indian temples, so it is worth carefully learning they are before going to Allora. After all, as it were, these shrines were created to serve the gods, and there were special rites here. Hindus themselves are very serious and reverently belong to Ellora complexes.
Remember that it is forbidden to take something from here. Esoterics believe that pebbles from the ancient Sanctures will bring the owner only trouble. But the guards who are masked under ordinary tourists will not be explained to you, but just bring out of the temple.
After sunset in the shrines, it is forbidden to be. But with the first rays of the sun you can already be near the walls of the temple and spend the whole day here until the darkness. Time excursions no one limits.
Cost input ticket The complex is two hundred fifty rupees for children and adults. Tourists advise to take a flashlight with them to inspection, since without it some sculptures and threads will simply discern. The temple complex works six days a week, on Tuesday it is closed for visits.
If you can not choose a time to travel to India and inspection of temples, then consider as the December option. This month in Ellore is a traditional festival. It is dedicated to music and dancing, and often the place for holding places next to the temples. This spectacle leaves a lot unforgettable impressions.
Ellora: how to get to the caves
Options to visit these magnificent temples are several. For example, resting on Goa, you can buy for yourself excursion tour And go to the caves with all the comfort, which is capable of India.
If you are not afraid to move around railwaythen you can advise you very much interesting tourwhich includes and visiting Ellora. His program involves a trip by train with stops in five cities of India. The starting point of the route is Delhi. Then tourists spend time in Agra and Udaipur. The next intermediate travel station on the railway is Aurangabad. It is from here that you will be taken to inspect the cave temples. And for this allotted quite a long time - all day. Tour ends in Mumbai. It should be noted that formulations with all amenities are used for such a trip. Therefore, reviews about such tours, tourists are always positive.
For those who go to India only for the sake of visiting cave temples, you can recommend the flight to Mumbai. Here is the most closest to Ellore international Airport. However, it is worth considering that there are no direct flights from Russia to Mumbai. It is better to choose a transit route that carries out Arab air carriers.
Arriving in Mumbai, you can transfer to the train and already across nine hours to be in Aurangabad. If the train is not your option, then sit on the bus. He also goes to the city about eight-nine hours.
In Aurangabad, you also need to transfer a bus. Literally after half an hour, you will already find yourself in Ellore and you can finally begin the inspection of the sanctuary. By the way, there are many taxi drivers in Aurangabad. Any of them willingly take you to right place. Many tourists so as not to wait for the bus, this way is coming.
There is another option to get to Ellora. From Russia, aircraft fly straight to Delhi. And from there you can buy a train ticket to Aurangabad. It is believed that such a route is much more convenient and faster than previous ones.
Architectures, including facades of complex work and refined decorated internal interiors.
The creation of Ellorsky caves is dated from about 6 to 9 century of our era. It is assumed that sculptors and Buddhist monks moved to Ellora, for unknown reasons, left an adjant to the arbitrariness of the elements.
Of the 34 caves Ellora 12 caves in the south - Buddhist, 17 in the center are devoted to the Hindu gods, 5 caves to the north - Jainskie.
Access to the cave Ellora daily from morning to sunset, weekend Tuesday. In the Temple of Kailasantha 250 rupees, the rest of the caves can be viewed free.
Buddhist caves Ellora
The caves begin with the easiest and more small and grow to three-story, huge and richly decorated (places) of temples. Unlike the Jain and Hindu caves, which are temples, there are no images in some Buddhist caves at all, they are obviously used for residence and economic needs.
The first interesting cave - №2, on the porch there are statues of the gate keepers - Dwarpala, which will be shown the same inside the temples in the altars and in the temples of the Hindu tradition too. The cave is a small hall with columns, in the long central part of which the Buddha image is in the niche, surrounded by Boddhisattvas, it seems Padmapani with Vajrapan's lotus with Vajra, respectively. Vihar walls are decorated with burners with Buddhas in its various states. This design or similar will be found in almost all other Buddhist temples of the early period, differing only in plots and personalities, making only a few of them according to the real memorable.
Cave number 4 is interesting because the image of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshwares (on his crown there is an image of a little amitaghi Buddha) more than the image of the Buddha, the last Buddha, Sidharrthi Gautama Shakya Muni.
Cave 5 I liked it - this is a huge rectangular room, with stone benches and small rooms around the perimeter, there are no decorations here, the columns are rudely processed, the floor and ceilings are not hazardous. At the far end in the Buddha and Boddhisattva in tradition. Due to the asceticity of the cave, there are almost no tourists here, so there was a rest atmosphere and something else, in general, sit here is nice.
Cave 10 - lying, that is, a monolithic stupa carved inside the cave. On the facade, the Buddha sends. Moreover, the architects tried to give the maximum similarity with wooden structures, cutting the rafters, passing into columns, the portico of which are decorated with sculpture. Unfortunately, the local temples are very poorly lit and discern, and even more so to remove, some plots are almost no possibly. The facade of cheat two-storey, but the entrance to the second floor was closed. The facade is richly decorated with nymphs, frieze, it is difficult to retell, better look at.
Cave No. 11 - two-story, and No. 12 - three-story, entrance to them from a small courtyard. The most interesting on the top floor where you can climb on the side ladder. By the way, if earlier the Buddha reigned over the worldly world surrounded by the floor enlightened, now 1) people have people with gifts or pleads, 2) if there are no people around, he multiplies and changes the pose on Padmasun. On the perimeter of the 3rd floors, the sculpture is cut out, 3 girls are sitting on the sides of the central altar part and several Buddhas in meditation, on the sides of the Buddha hall are sitting in various poses.
Hindu Cave Ellora
The walls of the cave 14 and the following Hindu temples are covered with bas-reliefs with a variety of mythological scenes, like the game of Shiva and in the bone, chip and lakshmi, Avatar Vishnu Cabanogoly Varach, dancing, Shiva wins Adhakasura ...
All walls of this cave are covered with images, preserved very well. Bas-reliefs are in small niches and separated from each other with relief panels. In the central part of the cave there is an altar room, but the place of the deity is empty. The cave is large, besides the reliefs on the walls of the carving and the columns are decorated, in the cave there is also a bypass corridor around the altar, at the end of which the creatures are sitting in She looks like a skeleton, and one of the militant Ipostasses of the Divine Mother - with the skulls on the neck ...
15 two-storey cave, and the size of the previous one. She is in the courtyard behind the building Dashavatar Mandapa with stone carved platbands and lattices on windows, which is closed for visits. The first floor is not very interesting, but on the second there are columns with in love with couples on the capitals and several remarkable reliefs, for example, the output of Lingama or Vishnu is revered on the Shesha snake. The rest of the reliefs are not plotically different from the previous cave, but either are made or have been worse.
Most interesting among other temples Ellora Temple Kailasanatha (Kailasanatha), meaning as a cave 16, which is a colossal monolith with an orphan appearance, completely carved from basalt, therefore it seems a rare opportunity to inspect the temple and inside and outside the top. It is especially interesting to wander around Caylash at sunset when the rays of the setting sun make reliefs golden pink.
Thanks to the solid material of the breed of which it is well preserved, somewhere there are also fragments of color, it is assumed that in initially the Kailasantha temple was painted with white paint to be like a snowy peak of Kailas Mountain, the inhabitant of Shiva and the axis of the universe. The chichara is built and covered with carvings in the Dravidian architectural style, the lions roam the roofs on the flat courts, perhaps that are popular in Tibet and Nepal, snow lions guarding entrance to heaven. The Tower of the Temple has similarities with Mamalllampuram Temple Towers (Mamallapuram) about a Tamil Nanda, built around at the same time. Temple Kailasanatha looks like style on architectural style Pallavd dynasties, established in Mamallapuram and received widespread. It is believed that architects from the Southern Kingdom of Pallavov were specifically found to create a temple.
Amazes in Kailasanath what, unlike other temples, which were usually built from the bottom up, the sculptors of this temple cut out the temple from above and from the side. This temple is one of the most difficult works of architecture in the world.
The temple began to be built in the period from 757 and 773 years, on its construction it took more than a century. The temple takes about 60,000 square meters and its tower is in a height of about 90 feet. The Kailasantha Temple in Ellore was created by hollowing about 400,000 tons of rock from top to bottom, which indicates an outstanding fantasy and fantastic instrument accuracy and the skill of his creators.
The complex is fenced off from the rest of the world with a wall covered with 3-4 meter reliefs with low gopuram, as abundantly decorated inside.
The complex includes the central two-storey temple, on the sides of which, from the facade, there are columns - mansthumb, which are the emblem of the complex, and in front of them the statues of elephants in a natural value, unfortunately crippled. On the sides of the temple with a rock are the side two-story rooms, decorated with sculpture, where they end the colonnade and the corridor, in whose niches are numerous images of Shiva and Vishnu, which is probably about 150-180 degrees of the perimeter of the temple.
The walls of the central mandapy around the perimeter are decorated in the lower part of the elephants, and above them in the openings between windows and overlap of reliefs in the frame of the plant ornaments, in the front of the part of the manda on two sides, decorated with reliefs telling about the acts of the heroes of Mahabharata. On the first floor under the transition from the main part to the front 2 large reliefs with the image of Shiva ...
I can say exactly - the Kailasantha temple is great, this is one of the greatest works of art and it is worth a visit.
Entrance to Kailasanathu paid 5 bucks or 250 rupees from a foreigner.
What to other Hindu temples, if there is a time to go to the caves 14-18, standing on the severity.
The reliefs of these caves are very modest, but in the cave 18 there are ceiling paintings, which guidebooks do not mention. And in general, there was an interesting place there - even in the arid February was, albeit a bit, and small different-level lakes of the bizarre form were filled and the legs can be dipped into their pleasant coolness.
Wonderful giant scope and temple number 29. The temple in the plan has a cross and looks like the temple of the island of Elephant. The bas-reliefs are well preserved, but the main thing is preserved giants guarding lingams in the inner sanctuary of the temple.
3 duine caves Located near the Kailas Temple. 32 cave is decorated with fine carvings with the image of lotus flowers and lions under mango trees. One of the caves has a sculptural image of a sitting mahavir.
How to get to Ellora
from Aurangabada can be on the bus, which takes an hour, or for a taxi 40 minutes (800 rupees in both ends), then on the floor you can stay and visit the forts of Daulatabad, towering above the burning hills.
In the town of Allora on an excellence about 2 km. From rocky temples is the Shivat temple of the 17th century Grishneshvar Mandir.
In Ellore there are guesthouses, but their choice is very small, if you do not plan to live here for a long time (such a temptation is, I must say) it is better to stop in Aurangabad.
Estimate the article
Ellora - village in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Cave System and Numerous Castles, UNESCO World Heritage. The cave temples Ellora is a standard of ancient temples. In total, 34 sacred caves located on a single line, for two kilometers, cut out in the rock.
Before entering the cave visitors, there are many monkeys. Which is completely natural not afraid of people, relax and having fun with the selection of food from visitors.
It is difficult to even imagine how difficult it was to create two kilometers of solid vintage halls, having primitive construction tools.
Some of them reach a decent size - about ten hectares. The caves have many beautiful columns and sculptures.
Nowhere on the planet is so closely as global religions coexisted in India. Penetrating one to another, enriched science and culture with great discoveries and achievements.
The fruits of these works have reached us through the millennium.
In India, everything is striking the atmosphere, color, the greatness of the centuries-old heritage. Especially acutely feeling in the temples. One of the largest is in the central state Maharashtra And called the temple.
More precisely, this is a whole temple complex of 34 caves, where the structures carved in the basalt are located.
Here, the temples of the three most common religious and philosophical directions in the country are neighboring: Hinduism, Buddhism and jainism.
Until now, scientists have not come to a common opinion, which in antiquity of such huge complexes were built in ancient times.
Along with the temple Taj Mahal Caves are included in the World Heritage List UNESCO.
The history of the occurrence of the temple complex of Ellora
Location of the Temple Ellora It was not randomly chosen. Here, near Ajanti.converged busy trade and caravanways from the northern part of India in the ports western coast. In the rapidly growing village flocked merchants and travelers from around the world.
For more than 500 years, part of the profit received in the form of trade taxes, spent on the construction of Ellora.
Just at this time, Buddhism loses its position, and Hinduism acquires more and more supporters.
Constructions India He showed the world how tolerantly applies to all religions and philosophical teachings of their citizens.
The cave ensemble includes 34 temples and a monastery that is carved in basalt rocks and take about 2 km throughout. Historians argue about the exact age, but call the period between the VI and X centuries.
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Twelve caves - the sanctuary of Buddhism, seventeen - Hinduism, and only five - Jainism.
Due to the high hardness of basalt, all the buildings are very well preserved.
The strongest of all they suffered during the struggle of Muslims with pagans, but even then fanatics could not cause serious harm to statues and temples.
Famous temples of the architectural ensemble of Ellora
Pearl caves Ellora In India, rightly consider Temple of Kailasanath, Named by the name of the sacred Himalayan peak. It is not impressed with dimensions, such buildings in the country are not separated - with a height of 40 m, 80 and 50 m in length and width.
Amazingly different. Absolutely all the temple - from a huge base with lions and elephants of elephants to a natural value to the tops of the towers - carved from a solid rock. In fact, this is not building, but sculpture.
It began to build it from top to bottom - unprecedented construction technique. On the rocky cliff did the trees, they took the soil, three trenches were cut off a giant monolith and began to carving a complex building configuration, giving shape from the sides. In the depth, the well was pulled out and for all the time I won and removed more 400,000 tons rock rocks.
One and a half hundred years of generation of cutters and Kamnetsians performed a difficult hard work, realizing that they themselves, even their children and grandchildren would not see the result of labor.
No modern construction firm, and the theories of archaeologists, architects and historians have not received confirmation in practice, not to repeat the work of the masters.
The outer walls of the temple are decorated with rich carvings - dozens of elephants, lions and decorative elements fill literally every centimeter. For greater similarities with a snow-covered vertex, the temple for a long time was covered with white plaster.
The inner space is also skillfully decorated. A huge bas-relief crowned vaults main TowerNumerous statues dedicated to Shiva are full of life and depict the heroic or family scenes from the life of the gods.
It is worth saying about the fact that all the outstanding stone seems "nothing" if you remember that the whole ancient temple Kailasanatha is fully painted. It is in these ancient places that the artistic hardils of the Hindus clearly shrinks for all allowable norms.
Ellora is literally overwhelmed by the life of the sacred energy, which is felt literally in each image, every stone and crack. It is in the ancient temples Ellora lives life itself!
Caves of various confessions of Ellora
The earliest caves Ellora consider Buddhist, Constructed approximately from 500 to 750 years.
Monks lived in them, there were halls for meditation, serving gods. Later is more beautiful and decorated with intricate. The influence of a nearby Hindu architects, which in 600 elevated the first temple in 600.
The solemn attitude creates high rib vaults, huge statues of Buddha, his students and Mahamayuri - patroness of science and education. Stupa inside the hollow when singing mantras creates an incredible resonant sound.
Hindu monasteries cut out from top to bottom as the Temple of Kailasanath. From 600 to 870 years, 17 caves of Ellora were cut and decorated, all the walls of which are covered with bas-reliefs with the events of the sacred books.
The carving is very detailed, with a lot of small ornaments, which spared time and they are impressive of modern tourists as in the old days.
Part of the premises served for the needs of monks. According to information, they moved here from the nearby Ajanta when she fell into decline.
Jainism - The youngest religion, originating as the Protestant branch of Hinduism. Therefore, the Jaina caves, the smallest in size from all the temples of Ellora, date 800-900 years.
Here, asceticism is combined with beautiful decoration, the paintings adorned the ceilings of the temples partially reached us. Most jainseed caves So it was not completed. The popularity of religion was short, although today it has about three million adherents in the country.
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