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The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves, ranging for over two kilometres (1.2 mi) along the sloping basalt cliff at the site. [5] Most of the excavation of the temple is generally attributed to the eighth century Rashtrakuta king Krishna ...
According to Hindu scriptures, Ravana once tried to lift Mount Kailash, but Shiva pushed the mountain into place and trapped Ravana beneath it. For a thousand years, the imprisoned Ravana sang hymns in praise of Shiva, who finally blessed him and granted him an invincible sword or a powerful linga (Shiva's aniconic symbol) to worship.
A multi-tiered Kailash depicts many sages, divinities on it, while animals run terrified in the bottom tier. On the top of the Mount, a Shiva calm sits with a scared Parvati on his lap. Shiva and Parvati are depicted seated on Mount Kailash in the upper portion of the portrayal, while Ravana, lifting the mount is portrayed in the lower register.
The panel facing the Mount Kailash panel towards the northeast corner (see 1 on plan) depicts demon king Ravana trying to lift Kailash and bother Shiva, a legend called Ravananugraha. [42] [60] The upper scene is Mount Kailash, where Shiva and Parvati are seated. Shiva is recognisable with a crown, and other characters are badly damaged.
Ellora, also called Verul or Elura, is the short form of the ancient name Elloorpuram. [10] The older form of the name has been found in ancient references such as the Baroda inscription of 812 AD which mentions "the greatness of this edifice" and that "this great edifice was built on a hill by Krishnaraja at Elapura, the edifice in the inscription being the Kailasa temple. [3]
As Kailash began to shake, a terrified Parvati embraced Shiva. However, the omniscient Shiva realized that Ravana was behind the menace, and pressed the mountain into place with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath it. Ravana gave a loud cry in pain. Realizing his mistake, Ravana sang hymns in praise of Shiva for a thousand years.
A Thangka depiction of Mount Kailash. As per Buddhist texts, Mount Kailash (Kailasa) is known as the mythological Mount Meru. [56] [72] Kailash is central to its cosmology, and a major pilgrimage site for some Buddhist traditions. [73] In Buddhism, Kailash represents the father of the world and lake Mansarovar symbolizes the mother. [16]
The path around Mount Kailasha is 53 km (33 mi) long. Pilgrims believe that doing a circumambulation of Mount Kailasha on foot is a spiritually beneficial practice that can bring various positive effects, such as the collection of meritorious karma, the cleansing of sins from one's consciousness, and good fortune. The circumambulation is made ...