The Kailasa Temple, also known as Cave 16 of the Ellora Caves, stands as a testament to the extraordinary skill and vision of ancient artisans. Located in Maharashtra, India, this monolithic rock-cut Hindu temple is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of human ingenuity. Unlike traditional structures built from the ground up, the Kailasa Temple was carved out of a mountainside using a unique top-down approach.

how was kailasa temple built

The Unique Top-Down Construction

The construction of the Kailasa Temple began with the excavation of three massive trenches, cut vertically into the basalt cliff face. This initial stage involved the removal of approximately 200,000 tonnes of rock using only hammers and chisels. Once the trenches were established, artisans began sculpting the temple from the top downwards. This unconventional method allowed the architects to create the temple’s shikhara (tower), main temple, free-standing pillars, statues, and shrines, all while descending. This method of construction also eliminated the need for scaffolding.

  • The temple was built from the top down by carving away rock.
  • Three massive trenches were dug to start the process.
  • Artisans then sculpted and carved the rock working their way down.
  • This method was more economical than building from the ground up.
  • It is considered the only temple in the world cut from a mountain top.

A Legendary Tale of Urgency

A legend from the 10th century offers an explanation for this unique approach. According to the Katha Kalpa Taru, a queen of the Rashtrakuta ruler, Elu, prayed for her ill husband’s recovery, vowing to fast until a temple was built for Lord Shiva and she could see its shikhara. An architect named Kokasa devised the plan to carve the temple from top to bottom, allowing the queen to break her fast quickly by seeing the top of the tower.

The Role of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty

The Kailasa Temple is largely attributed to the 8th-century Rashtrakuta King Krishna I, who reigned from 757 to 773 CE. However, it’s possible that the temple’s construction began during the reign of his predecessor, Dantidurga, with inscriptions at Cave Number 15 nearby suggesting it. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture, influenced by Chalukyan and Pallava artisans who were involved in the construction.

Architectural Features and Sculptural Details

The temple is renowned for its massive size, measuring approximately 145 feet wide, 195 feet long, and 90 feet high. The complex is twice the size of the Parthenon in Athens and is considered one of the largest structures in India. The Kailasa Temple also boasts intricate sculptures and carvings which depict stories from Hindu mythology, including panels showing scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The sculptures of elephants at the base of the temple give the illusion that the entire structure is being supported on their backs.

The Enduring Legacy

The Kailasa Temple’s construction is believed to have taken 18 years to complete. Despite attempts by Mughal King Aurangzeb to destroy it in the 17th century, the temple remained largely intact, showcasing the remarkable durability of the rock. Today, the Kailasa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its innovative construction, exceptional artistry, and profound historical significance. The temple is an awe-inspiring reminder of the architectural and artistic prowess of ancient India, as well as the dedication and skill of the individuals who helped to create it.

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