DAY 1 & 2 of our travel
It was my dream to visit these places from years… . This place is one from my Check list to Visit during my life time… .
Myself and my friend Swaran, We started researching, planning and finally set a date and booked the tickets. It was like walking a dream till the date did not come.
Our ticket was from Bangalore to Hyderabad and from there to Aurangabad. From there the Hotel was a 45 mins drive. We stayed at The Rama International by ITC Hotels.
First day was all travel to airport and to hotel… exploring Hyderabad airport.
Once we reached hotel, we spoke to front desk to guide us for the cab and travel to the Ellora caves. Spoke to the driver and he suggested that we go to a Temple… One of the Jyothirlinga Temples. Its know as Grushneshwar Jyothrlinga Mandir is mandir of God Shiv Shankar in Verul village of Sambajinagar district, Mahashtra. It is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga mandir in the world. It is 30 mins away from famous UNESCO World Heritage Site the Ellora Caves.
The next day, in the morning, cab came at the time we said, he took us to the temple first. Beautiful, small temple, a Shiva Temple.
Had nice Darsan. Could touch the Shiva Lingam which is considered to be very auspicious. There no photographs were allowed, so had to click one outside the premises.
Next stop, ELLORA CAVES.
Arrived at Ellora Caves.
A little bit of History from what I gathered about the place…
The architectural marvel of 34 caves at Ellora in the Charanandri Hills of Western India’s Maharashtra State showcases a spirit of co-existence and religious tolerance through the outstanding architectural activities carried out by the followers of three prominent religions: Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism.
The rock cut activity was carried out in three phases from the 6th century to the 12th century. The earliest caves (caves 1-12), excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflect the Mahayana philosophy of Buddhism then prevalent in this region.
The Brahmanical Group of caves (13-29), including the renowned Kailasa temple (cave 16), was excavated between 7th and 10th Centuries.
The Last phase, between the 9th and 12th centuries, saw the excavation of a group of caves (caves 30-34) reflecting Jaina philosophy.
Amongst the caves of the Buddhist group, Cave 10 -Visvakarma cave , Cave 11 and Cave 12-Three storied monastery, are important ones. These caves mark the development of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism and represent a host of Buddhist deities. We could make out that in ancient time, it could have been one of the most decorated places where the walls would have been adorned with Fesco Paintings of different teachings of Buddha.
Cave 15 and Cave 16 – Dasavatara and Kailasa Temple, the largest Monolithic Temple, Cave 21- Ramesvara and Cave 29 – Dumar Lena are the next visually important Caves of Ellora.
Amongst these, Cave 16 is the excellent example of Structural innovation, and marks the culmination of rock-cut architecture in India featuring elaborate workmanship and striking proportions.
The sculpture depicting Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Siva, is especially noteworthy.
Our guide told us about the many architectural facts and stories of the then people who lived there as monks in these monasteries and it was Fascinating to know that a well-known Kingdom was thriving at this place as it was Centre of trade and activities. Was favored by the then Kings and Kingdoms to build their Legacy in such magnificent architecture, with very good artisans.
Our first stop was The Kailasa Temple. Which is a Monolith… a cut out temple from a mountain. Great carvings from our Hindu Puranas. Depicting various avatars of Gods Bramha, Vishu and Shiva – Shakti. We had a good guide who explained a lot of things about the Carvings and the stories behind each of the carvings done. It was like a story telling session which was carved in each of the columns of the corridors we were walking.
Typical of any Ancient Hindu Temple, where we see Vijay Dwajah, which is a pillar made on both sides. I saw these at Belur – Halebeed Heritage Site also and many of the ancient temples.
Interesting fact is that the Kailasa Temple is lifted up by carvings of Elephants. Our guide told us that there are more than it symbolically shows that he temple is on top on the Elephants which are holding it up.
The view and the architecture really makes you wonder as to how evolved these people were, very advanced technology and lots of patience to continue to generations of work. The generations of Kings and Kingdoms patronizing the Art and Architecture and the Spiritual Inclination behind all of these creations to connect with the higher self.
The Architecture …. How much ever you say is less. The magnificent Carvings, the intricate designs in stone… whether it is ornaments on the Vigrahas or the Pillars, no words for it… its simply superb. Even the hair decorations on ladies were different for each of the human figures.
Guide enthralled us with interesting facts and stories. We were totally mesmerized by the views and stories.
I have added couple of pictures which blew my mind… and the walk along to the Buddhist temple was another great experience. The caves 10 onwards starts the Buddhist Caves, where the monks would come and stay in these caves and this cave 10 was one of its Meditation or Prayer rooms.
The guide took us to one of the temples and he chanted ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachami’//’Sangam Sharanam Gachami’. The sound reverberated and it was so peaceful. Imagine so many Buddhists Monks chanting the prayers and the effect which has on mind and the elated feeling of the heart. If for few seconds we could feel the powerful vibrations… it would be such a soul stirring meditation experience.
Cave 10 – Buddhist Temple.
We then saw couple of more caves aloong the way. All of these had beautiful architecture and supposed to have beautiful Fresco Paintings on the life and teachings of Budha, their stores. But now nothing is remaining considering that these are very old and also partly because of invations during that time where it was also destroyed.
The 3rd set of caves, we had to fall into a line to take a buggy ride 2 kms away to see the set of Jain caves. With same precision of architecture and carvings, there were about 4-5 caves. Since it was late and closing time, we decided to go back.
The Day was well spent exploring and listening to the guide. Went back to hotel and rested up. Next day was to visit
