The most incredible Hindu temple of all the Ellora cave structures is the Kailash temple, cave number 16. Although it is not actually located in the cave, it is just that all 34 caves in Ellora are numbered and Kailash is number 16. Surprisingly, the building, which was carved into the rock, appeared as if on the surface of the hill. The result is a completely free-standing structure in combination with the interior. Similar attempts in this direction can be seen in the Ajanta Caves. but none of them can be compared to Ellora's landmark 16.
Myths and facts
The Kailash Temple was designed to resemble the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. which is considered the abode of Shiva. It is Shiva that this sanctuary is dedicated to. Many of the sculptures depict this Hindu god. Initially, the structure was covered with a thick layer of white plaster and looked like it was covered with snow, like a sacred mountain. Some traces of plaster have survived to this day. The stone halls contain sculptures and statues of the god Shiva in his various forms and actions, from dice to the wedding ceremony.
The architectural feats of the Indian builders involved in the creation of the Kailash Temple are stunning. Work began under King Krish I in the 8th century and continued for over 100 years. As a result, the building covers an area twice the size of the Athenian Parthenon in Greece. It is one of the largest temples in the world, rivaling even the Taj Mahal in Agra. It rises more than 30 meters and almost all of its surface is covered with intricate carvings.
Even the sculptures are carved from one solid piece of rock, like the rest of the temple. These include huge elephants, pillars and columns, a large courtyard, 3-level towers, and even the second and third levels of the building.
The entrance to the temple leads through a massive gate into a courtyard decorated with statues of elephants that appear to support massive walls, the sacred Nandi bull, and carved lions. You will also see a sculpture of the god Ravana trying to climb Mount Kailash to the abode of Shiva. There are actually two temples in the courtyard. The first is the sacred Nandi, which is connected to the huge main building by a stone bridge.
Promotional video:
If you want to get a more exciting sightseeing tour of the Kailash Temple, I recommend visiting it in December, when the Ellora Music and Dance Festival is held. In spring, it is best to go to Amritsar, where the annual five-day Festival of Cultural Heritage takes place in the famous Golden Temple in March, and the Buddha Jayanti festival in Bodhgaya in April or May.
Bark around Kailash
Most of the pilgrims and pilgrims get to Kailash for the purpose of making kora (ritual walk). It is believed that even a single circumambulation around Kailash gets rid of all life's sins. A 108-fold, provides a transition to Nirvana in this life. 3 and 13 rounds are also considered favorable. Perfect on a full moon, the bark counts as two!
Kailash is surrounded by valleys, so the crust does not require special training or equipment. Distance 53km. Many pilgrims from India, Nepal and Tibet overcome the “Path around Kailash” component in one day, from early morning until late at night. As a rule, our (and Western) tourists desire to Nirvana is not so high, so one round is usually done at a more measured pace, in 2-4 days. There are many local attractions and beautiful views around the mountain, so a leisurely and thoughtful advance is fully justified.
The highest point during the detour around Kailash is the Dromla La pass with a height of 5630m. Before starting the walk, make a wish. The map of the cortex in the picture on the left illustrates the bypass route around Kailash starting from Darchen. The map shows the main roads and attractions. The bark is marked with a red line. In the upper right part of the map, you can see the road bypassing the highest point, the Dromla La Pass. This easier path can be chosen by pilgrims only from the 13th round of the mountain.
Sacred Mount Kailash. Bark around Kailash
From the pass, the path goes past another sacred place - Tukpe Dzingbu - a beautiful lake, which, according to legend, is considered the bathroom of the great Shiva's wife. Be prepared for the fact that at every step you will discover beautiful views from which it is difficult to look away. Probably all this beauty is the main reason that the detour takes a little longer. After all, I would like to stay here longer and enjoy the purity of the mountain nature. During the tour, the path will lead past the source of Tsech - the source of longevity, be sure to drink healing water and take with you. Also, another small lake opens up to your eyes - Yokmo Tso. Yokmo Tso is the highest mountain lake on Earth.