Hindu Caves at Ellora

Introduction
The most renowned and noteworthy cave, the Cave 16 of the Hindu Caves at Ellora is known as the Kailasa or Kailasanatha Temple. This structure was built and designed to recall Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple follows a pyramid like structure. The courtyard in this temple consists of two Dhvajastambhas (pillars with the flagstaff). This rock cut temple among the Hindu Caves at Ellora is164 feet deep, 109 feet wide and 98 feet high. Exhibiting typical Dravidian features, the Cave 16 was carved out of just one single rock. In the courtyard of this temple there are two structures that includes the sacred bull 'Nandi' and also the main 'Shiva Temple'. The base of the temple has been carved in such a way as to portray that elephants are holding the temple aloft. The Nandi Mandap and the porch of the temple is connected by a living rock bridge.

History
The Hindu Caves, Maharashtra were constructed in the beginning of the 7th century. A lot of hard work and skill has gone into constructing the caves.

Description
Apart from the Kailasanatha Temple, the other notable and renowned Hindu Caves at Ellora include the Dashavatara cave (cave 15), the Ramesvara cave (cave 21) and the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The Dashavatara cave (cave 15) of the Hindu Caves in Ellora in India depicts and describes the 10 incarnations of Vishnu. At the entrance of the Ramesvara cave (cave 21) there are figurines of river goddesses. The design of Dhumar Lena (cave 29) is similar to the cave temple on Elephanta Island in Mumbai. Every year thousands of tourists from each and every corner of the world and from all over India visit the Hindu Caves at Ellora.