THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE

Located in Western Maharashtra. Made by Rashtrakutas under Krishna

I(757-783 AD). This 8th century temple is almost double in size than the
Greek Parthenon. Dedicated to Lord Shiva but pays reverence to Brahma and
Vishnu.
 THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE

• The temple stands freely within the excavated side in the mountain.

•This rock cut monolithic temple illustrates Dravidian style of

Architecture.

•The internal trenches in temple complex measures about 90 m long and

53 m wide.

•The main body of the temple measure 46 m X 30 m long, and rise to

about 31 m high stands on a lofty plinth 8 m high with an entrance from
west.
Entrance is 50m long and almost 33 m wide and rises to a total height of 29 m.
 Dieties to left of temple are mostly Shaivite and to the right are mostly
Vaishnavite

Valmiki and Ved Vyas on both sides of the entrance

Covered alcoves and galleries

Dedicated to Hindu Trinity Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma

Dharmastambha - Earlier it bore a Shiva trident which is missing today (16m)
THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE
 THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE
• There are five shrine and the towers over the main cella rises to a height
of 31 m in two tiers. The cella contains the image of god in the form of
Lingam. The cella measure 21 m X 19 m and is supported by sixteen
square pillars in a group of four.

• The pillars are massive, the shaft four half its length is plain square
prism while the upper portion is round and flushed.

• In front is a nandi with a pavilion 6 m X 6m built detached from the

main structure, but connected to it by a bridge. On either side of it there
are two free standing pillars known as “Dhwaja-Stambhas” 16 m high.
•Entire Kailasha temple is reproduced in the rock based on large scale
with full details.
THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE
 THE KAILASHNATH TEMPLE
•The substructure is heavily moulded at top and bottom but the middle
portion and the corners are provided by a boldly carved elephants and
lions, who represents the supporters of the heavens at the four quarters.

•The platform is approached by high flights of steps leading to Mandapa

and the cornice, Pilaster, niches and portion of the mandapa are
marvellously designed.

•The temple has two galleries, one gallery relates legends of Shiva and
the adjoining gallery relates to the stories of Vishnu.