Kailasa Temple, Cave 16 at Ellora, is a rock-cut Hindu temple the article describes as a megalith carved into a cliff face. A Rashtrakuta ruler commissioned it. Construction is generally attributed to Krishna I, who reigned from about 756 to 773, based on two inscriptions mentioning Krishnaraja, though there is no dedicatory inscription. Goetz argued it began under Dantidurga and was extended by later rulers, while Dhavalikar argued the whole temple was planned at the start.
Carvers worked from the top of the rock downward. The courtyard is 269 by 151 feet (82 by 46 m) at the base, and the shrine rises 107 feet (32.6 m) above it. The shikhara is Dravidian, with traces of Pallava and Chalukya styles.
Court elephants appear to hold the base aloft, and a relief shows Ravana trying to lift Mount Kailasa, which the article calls one of the finest pieces of Indian art. The article gives no visitor information.
Comments