Lions Roof Kailash Ellora

Kailāśanātha temple is the largest of the rock cut hindu temples at the ellora caves maharashtra india a megalith carved from a rock cliff face it is considered one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size architecture and sculptural treatment and the climax of the rock cut phase of indian architecture.

Lions roof kailash ellora.

Roof of pillared hall. Captions take from board guide and book ajanta ellora and aurangabad caves an appreciation by t v pathy. Kailāśa or kailashanatha iast. Among the most noteworthy are monolithic elephants victory pillars at the entrance the image of nandi four sculptures of lions standing in a circle on the roof of mahamantapa elephant sculptures at the base of the temple which gives the viewer an impression that the whole structure is being supported on the backs of these beasts.

Close up of lions centre is small temple. Errors if any are all mine. 4 sculptures of lions on roof of mahamantapa. Hence the two monolithic elephants signify rashtrakutha supremacy the two free standing pillars of victory further emphasise the great power of rashtrakutas.

The roof of the mahamantapa has four sculptures of lions each with a raised paw standing in a circle. Sculptures from kailasa top kailasa in front of the vimana bottom centre lions on the roof bottom left 1876 by draughtsman. Stand beneath the curtains of stone that cascade from the cliff above and imagine scores of artisans chiselling away at the rock with every tap of the hammer giving shape to the marvel that meets your gaze in a magnificent fusion of man and nature. The kailasa temple at ellora is considered a high point in rock cut architecture in the subcontinent.

You will get regular bus and taxi services to reach the heritage site.