Ellora Caves, located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is one of the greatest architectural wonders of ancient India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved between the 6th and 10th centuries CE, this rock-cut cave complex is a breathtaking example of religious harmony, showcasing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and monasteries — all coexisting on a single stretch of basalt cliff.

The caves reflect the spiritual depth, artistic genius, and advanced engineering skills of ancient Indian civilization. The highlight is the majestic Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) — a monumental structure carved vertically from a single rock, widely considered the world’s largest monolithic temple.

History of Ellora Caves – The Eternal Stone Symphony of India

Ellora’s story spans nearly five centuries and multiple faiths:

Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12): These feature prayer halls, stupas, meditation rooms, and murals. Cave 10 (Visvakarma Cave or Carpenter's Cave) houses a stunning seated Buddha under a stupa-shaped canopy, carved from a single rock.

Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29): The most prominent group, with the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) as the centerpiece. This temple alone required removing over 200,000 tons of rock and contains carved elephants, deities, pillars, and monumental gates.

Jain Caves (Caves 30–34): These reflect simplicity, precision, and spiritual symbolism. They include intricate lotus designs, meditative Tirthankaras, and delicate detailing.


The caves were actively used for worship and learning until they were gradually abandoned. Despite weathering and time, they remain remarkably well-preserved.