We all have read lot about Ajanta and Ellora caves, the architectural marvels of ancient times. Ellora that represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture has 35 caves in all. We all have read so much about these caves that we think we know every fact about these. Well, if this is so I’m sure you know which temple has the World’s Largest Monolith. If your answer is no, then go about reading.

Carved out of stone, the Kailasa temple (cave 16) is really an architectural wonder. It boasts of the biggest hewn monolith temple in the world and is considered
the pinnacle of Indian rock-cut architecture. The greatness of this structure lies in the fact that it’s a temple strictly adhering to the Vaastu Shaastra and other rules of a worshipping place.

Well-known for being carved out of single solid rock from top to bottom, it is richly embellished three-storey high temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and contains the world’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling.

Believed to have taken 7,000 labourers 150 years to complete the project, it’s gigantic, 8th century temple that covers twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens. No doubt, all of the caves at Ellora are stunning architectural feats but this fact can also not be ignored that the Kailasa Temple is the jewel in the crown.

Believe me, the temple is such a mammoth that you undergo different feeling while you take a tour. As you enter the complex, ordinariness turns into curiosity. When you glance at the masterpieces, your curiosity turns into bewilderment. Walking around the temple turns bewilderment into disbelief and you leave the temple thinking it’s a dream!

Have a look at the beautiful pictures in the image gallery below to get an idea of what this architectural wonder looks like but I don’t think the pictures do the justice, you got to see it to believe it!

World’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling (Kailasa Temple) Picture Gallery

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