Buddhist Caves at Ellora

Prominent among the World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO in India, Ellora (original local name Verul) in Maharashtra is home to some exemplary specimens of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 Ellora caves carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills included Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. The Buddhist Caves at Ellora are among the most important Caves and Temples of Ellora.

A Tour to Ellora will introduce you to 12 Buddhist caves (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu caves (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain caves (caves 30-34) in Ellora. Built between the 5th and 7th centuries, the Buddhist Caves at Ellora are among the earliest monuments to have been built at this historical site. These structures consist mostly of viharas or monasteries: large, multi-storied buildings carved into the mountain face, including living quarters, sleeping quarters, kitchens, and other rooms.

Some of the Buddhist Caves at Ellora in Maharashtra India house shrines including carvings of the Buddha, bodhisattvas and saints. A number of them contain intricately carved sculptures, whereby the sculptors have tried to give the stone the look of wood.

Tourist Attractions in Ellora
Caves and Temples at Ellora
Buddhist Caves	Hindu Caves
Jain Caves	Kailasa Temple

Most famous among the Buddhist caves at Ellora India is cave no. 10, a chaitya hall or 'Vishwakarma cave', which is popularly hailed as the "Carpenter's Cave". Beyond the multi-storeyed entry of Vishwakarma Cave, there is a stupa hall called chaitya, which resembles a cathedral. The ceiling of the chaitya has been carved to give a look of wooden beams. Right at the center of this cave stands a 15 foot statue of the Buddha, seated in a preaching posture.

Of all other Ellora Buddhist caves, the first nine (caves 1-9) are monasteries. The last two caves, Do Tal (cave 11) and Tin Tal (cave 12) have three stories.