Ellora Caves near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
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'Heart' of stone
If you love the serenity of ancient temples, Ellora in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, is where you need to be. The site is home to over 100 caves carved from the basalt cliffs of the Charanandri Hills, out of which 34 are accessible to the public.
The excavation of rock-cut caves at this location occurred in three distinct phases from the 6th to the 12th centuries. The initial phase, from the 5th to the 8th centuries CE, features caves that emphasise Mahayana Buddhist teachings. The Brahmanical caves, including the Kailasa Temple, were carved between the 7th and 10th centuries. From the 9th to the 12th centuries, the final phase, produced the Jain caves. The caves here exemplify the harmonious coexistence of three major religions—Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism—showcasing ancient India's spirit of tolerance. While the caves functioned as temples and a resting place for pilgrims, their strategic position along an ancient South Asian trade route also established them as a significant commercial hub in the Deccan region. So, are you ready to step into the past?