Marathwada

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Ajanta Rock Caves

Ellora Rock CavesThe cave temples and monasteries at Ellora are excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years and representing the 3 faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, created between the 5th and 13th centuries, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day. Ellora has been designed as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Grishneshwar JyotirlingamHindu temple.