THE SECRETS OF KAILASH TEMPLE | TOUR OF KAILASH MANDIR, ELLORA DOCUMENTARY

Summary

The Kailash Temple, also known as Cave 16 of Ellora, is an astonishing monolithic structure dedicated to Shiva, built by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century. It took 7000 laborers 18 years to carve it from hard basalt rock, symbolizing the Kailash mountain in the Himalayas. The temple's intricate symmetry and sculptures narrate the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Despite Aurangzeb's attempts to destroy it in 1682, the temple stands as a testament to ancient Indian engineering and devotion to Shiva.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Kailash Temple is believed to have been built by our ancestors, showcasing their exceptional knowledge of engineering and architecture.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Ashok Bedekarji was sought for insights into the temple's history and construction, revealing the temple's significance and the challenges faced in its creation.
• 🏔 Named 'Kailash' after the revered Mount Kailash in the Himalayas, the temple is dedicated to Shiva and was designed to replicate the mountain's architecture.
• 👑 The construction of the temple was initiated by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century and involved 7000 laborers and sculptors.
• 🔨 The temple is the world's largest monolithic structure, carved from a single rock, raising questions about the techniques and time required for its construction.
• ⚒️ The temple's construction process involved meticulous planning with no room for error, highlighting the precision of ancient engineering.
• 📚 The temple follows the ancient architectural science of Vastu-Shashtra and is noted for its complete symmetry and lack of mistakes.
• 👷‍♂️ The excavation of 2-5 lakh tons of hard basalt rock took 18 years, with an average of 20,000 tonnes of rock excavated annually.
• 💡 Innovative techniques such as mirrors and the laws of reflection were used to direct light deep inside the caves during construction due to the lack of electricity.
• 🎭 The temple's interior and exterior are adorned with sculptures depicting events from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, serving as a medium of knowledge transfer.
• 🛡️ Despite attempts by Aurangzeb to destroy the temple in 1682, its hard basalt construction made it nearly indestructible, preserving the temple's grandeur.
• 🙏 The temple, once a vibrant center of worship, now stands as a museum, but there is hope for its revival as a place of worship, echoing the chants of 'HAR HAR MAHADEV'.

Q & A

Who is credited with the construction of the Kailash Temple?

The Kailash Temple was constructed by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I in the 8th century.

Why is the temple named 'Kailash'?

The temple is named 'Kailash' because it is dedicated to Shiva and is surrounded by hills, resembling the Kailash mountain in the Himalayas.

What makes the Kailash Temple unique in terms of its construction?

The Kailash Temple is unique as it is the world's largest monolithic structure, carved out of a single rock.

How many laborers and sculptors were involved in the construction of the temple?

7,000 laborers and sculptors were involved in building the Kailash Temple.

What architectural principles does the temple follow?

The temple follows the principles of Vastu-Shashtra, the ancient architectural science of India.

How was light directed deep inside the caves during construction, given the lack of electricity?

Mirrors and the laws of reflection were used to direct light deep inside the caves during the construction.

What materials were excavated during the construction of the temple?

Approximately 2-5 lakh hard basalt rock was excavated over 18 years, amounting to 20,000 tonnes of rock per year.

What historical events are depicted in the temple's sculptures?

The temple's sculptures depict events from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Why were so many statues carved in the temple?

The statues were carved to serve as a medium to transfer knowledge and wisdom to future generations.

What attempts were made to destroy the Kailash Temple, and by whom?

Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, sent 1,000 men in 1682 to destroy the temple over three years, but they failed due to the temple's construction on hard basalt rock.

What is the current status of the Kailash Temple?

Despite historical attempts at destruction, the Kailash Temple still stands and is now a museum, with hopes for its revival as a place of worship.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Architectural Marvel of Kailash Temple

The Kailash Temple, also known as Cave no. 16 of Ellora, is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural knowledge of ancient Indian civilization. The temple, dedicated to Shiva, was constructed in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I, who aimed to replicate the architecture of Mount Kailash in the Himalayas. It is the world's largest monolithic structure, carved from a single rock, and took 7000 laborers and sculptors 18 years to complete. The temple's interior is adorned with intricate sculptures that depict scenes from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Despite attempts to destroy it, the temple stands as a symbol of devotion and perseverance, following the principles of Vastu-Shashtra and showcasing the ancient art of sculpting even in the absence of modern tools and electricity.

06:24

🛡️ The Resilience and Significance of Kailash Temple

The simplicity of Shiva's depiction in comparison to the luxuriousness of Vishnu's avatar reflects the temple's focus on spiritual wisdom over material wealth. The numerous statues within the temple served as a medium for transferring knowledge to future generations, embodying the wisdom of ancient India. Despite Aurangzeb's efforts to destroy the temple in 1682 by sending 1000 men, the temple's resilience against such attempts highlights the strength of devotion and the skill of the architects. The temple, once a vibrant center of spiritual practice, now stands as a museum, a silent witness to the passage of time and the resilience of its art and architecture. There is hope for its revival, as seen with other sacred sites, and the call 'HAR HAR MAHADEV' resonates with the belief in the temple's enduring spiritual significance.

Keywords

💡Kailash Temple

The Kailash Temple, also known as Cave no. 16 of Ellora, is a significant architectural marvel in India. It is renowned for its monolithic structure, carved out of a single rock, and represents the pinnacle of ancient Indian engineering and architectural prowess. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and is named after Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva in the Himalayas. The script discusses the temple's construction, its architectural symmetry, and the challenges faced in its creation, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

💡Monolithic Structure

A monolithic structure refers to a building or sculpture that is carved from a single, massive piece of material. In the context of the Kailash Temple, this term highlights the temple's unique construction method, where the entire temple was carved out of a single rock. This technique is a testament to the skill and precision of the ancient artisans and adds to the temple's intrigue and mystery.

💡Rashtrakuta King Krishna I

Rashtrakuta King Krishna I was the ruler who initiated the construction of the Kailash Temple in the 8th century. His reign marked a period of significant cultural and architectural development in India. The script mentions Krishna I to emphasize the historical context and royal patronage behind the temple's creation, illustrating the temple's importance in the region's history.

💡Vastu-Shashtra

Vastu-Shashtra is an ancient Indian architectural science that deals with the design and construction of buildings in harmony with nature. The script notes that the Kailash Temple follows the rules of Vastu-Shashtra, indicating the temple's adherence to traditional Indian architectural principles. This adherence contributes to the temple's aesthetic and functional harmony with its surroundings.

💡Basalt Rock

Basalt rock is a type of igneous rock known for its hardness and durability. The script mentions that the Kailash Temple was carved from hard basalt rock, which presents a significant challenge to the artisans due to its resistance to carving. The use of basalt rock in the temple's construction underscores the remarkable engineering feat achieved by the ancient builders.

💡Symmetry

Symmetry in architecture refers to the balanced arrangement of elements on either side of a central axis. The script emphasizes the complete symmetry of the Kailash Temple, which is indicative of the precision and attention to detail in its construction. This symmetry is a key aspect of the temple's aesthetic appeal and a testament to the skill of its builders.

💡Sculptures

The term 'sculptures' in the script refers to the intricate carvings found throughout the Kailash Temple, which depict various events from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These sculptures serve as a medium for conveying stories and wisdom from Hindu mythology, enhancing the temple's religious and cultural significance.

💡Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal Emperor, known for his religious intolerance and destruction of Hindu temples. The script mentions Aurangzeb's failed attempts to destroy the Kailash Temple, highlighting the temple's resilience and the historical conflict between different religious and cultural forces in India.

💡Devotion to Shiva

Devotion to Shiva, or 'Bhakti,' is a central theme in the script, symbolizing the spiritual motivation behind the creation of the Kailash Temple. The script suggests that the temple's survival through various attempts of destruction is a testament to the power of this devotion, reflecting the deep religious sentiments of the time.

💡Museum

The term 'museum' in the script refers to the current state of the Kailash Temple, which, despite its historical and religious significance, is now primarily visited as a museum. This reflects a shift in the temple's function over time and a loss of its original religious purpose, as mentioned in the script.

💡HAR HAR MAHADEV

HAR HAR MAHADEV is a chant or slogan used in the script to express reverence for Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The phrase encapsulates the script's overall theme of devotion and respect for the divine, and it is used as a rallying cry to inspire hope for the temple's revival.

Highlights

The Kailash Temple, also known as Cave 16 of Ellora, was built by our ancestors, not aliens, showcasing their impressive engineering and architectural knowledge.

The temple is named 'Kailash' due to its resemblance to Mount Kailash in the Himalayas and its dedication to Shiva.

Rashtrakuta King Krishna I initiated the construction of the Kailash Temple in the 8th century for devotees to meditate in the presence of Shiva.

The Kailash Temple is the world's largest monolithic structure, carved entirely out of a single rock.

7,000 laborers and sculptors were involved in the construction of the temple, which took 18 years to complete.

The temple's construction began from the top, with 2-5 lakh tons of hard basalt rock excavated over the 18 years.

The temple's interior features intricate carvings and sculptures, with only 12 hours of work possible per day due to limited lighting conditions.

Mirrors and the laws of reflection were utilized to direct light deep inside the caves for carving during the construction.

The temple's top view symbolizes a grand chariot and its sculptures depict events from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The temple's sanctum-sanctorum houses the Shivling, with two elephant statues at the gate symbolizing guards and auspiciousness.

The temple's numerous statues hold great wisdom and serve as a medium to transfer knowledge to future generations.

Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the Kailash Temple in 1682 but failed due to the temple's hard basalt rock construction.

Despite Aurangzeb's brutal attacks, the temple still stands tall, attracting engineers and scientists from around the world.

The temple has been painted numerous times, but the paintings were destroyed when Aurangzeb burned them in 1682.

The Kailash Temple now serves as a museum, but there is hope for its revival, similar to other historical sites like Grishneshwar and Ramjanm Bhumi.

The power of devotion to Shiva is highlighted by the temple's resilience and the intricate art created on the hard basalt rock.

Transcripts

Did aliens built the Kailash Temple?

No nooooo, It was our ancestors!

Whose knowledge of engineering and architecture baffles the western historians and architects.

Kailash Mandir, A glimpse of it, raises a thousand questions in our mind

Who built it? How did he built it? How much time it would have taken?

and who tried to destroy it completly?

finding the answers of this question wasn't easy,

because we all know how our history has been manipulated in the past few decades

So, we sought for Ashok Bedekarji for help.

why do we call it KAILASH?

it's a great name but we don't know who named it.

since it is dedicated to Shivji and is surrounded by hills just like the Kailash in Himalayas

Cave no. 16 of Ellora is Kailash Temple

The devotees of mahadev wanted to meditate in his presence.

Therefore replicating the architecture of the Kailash mountain, Rashtrakuta King Krishna 1 of 8th century started the construction of this temple

it took 7000 laborers and sculptors to build it.

This temple is also the world's largest monolithic structure.

i.e., the whole temple is carved out of a single rock.

you've seen this temple somewhere else, can you recall?

if you start imaging how this temple was constructed,

thousands of intriguing questions will appear

is this possible with chisels and hammers?

if yes, how much time it would've taken?

one interesting thing to notice is

there is simply no scope for mistake

one tiny mistake and you'll have to build the WHOLE temple ALL OVER AGAIN!!

experts say that the temple is in complete symmetry and there is NO mistakes.

the whole temple follows the rules Vastu-Shashtra, the ancient architectural science of Bharat.

Experts say that the carving stated from the top

2-5 Lakh hard basalt rock was excavated in 18 years

keeping this fact in mind,

then 20,000 tonnes of rock were excavated every year for 18 years

that too Basalt rock, one of the hardest rocks on the planet.

even the interiors have great sculpturing.

Due to lack of electricity, only 12 hours of work per day was possible

mirrors and laws of reflection were used to direct light deep inside the caves.

The top view symbolizes a grand chariot

the temple looked magnificent from far

but when Bedekar started narrating the tales behind every sculpture, it blew our minds

one half of this temple depicts the event of Ramayan while other half depicts Mahabharat.

The Shivling is in the sanctum-sanctorum of the temple

2 elephant statues at the gate symbolizing the guards

considered very auspicious in Hinduism

there is an ancient art gallery around the temple depicting various stories of Shivji

like this one

this is the scene from wedding of Shivji and Parvati

every statue in this temple depicts an event from various hindu epics

if you take a look at bhagwan vishnu, you'll always find him in very luxurious avatar, golden crown, golden mace, jewelry

while Mahadev's avatar is quite simple, just the tiger skin and ashes on the body.

that's why even though you'll find numerous statues in the courtyard but the sanctum-sanctorum is comparatively quiet plain.

Can you guess the need to carved so many statues in the temple?

temples had always been the centre of knowledge

our ancestors used them as a medium to transfer this knowledge to the coming generations

therefore these statues hold great wisdom in itself

sadly Aurangzeb, who destroyed numerous Hindu temples across Bharat, tried to destroy this temple as well

in 1682, Aurangzeb sent 1000 men to destroy this temple in 3 years

many statues were desecrated

but in 3 years he finally realized that it's impossible to completely destroy this temple.

just think about it, Aurangzeb couldn't destroy this temple because the rock was too hard but our ancestors created magnificent art on the same hard basalt rock!!

this is the power in the devotion to Shiva.

the temple have been painted numerous times

but it was destroyed when Aurangzeb burned them in 1682

after so many brutal attacks this temple still stands tall and amuses the engineers and scientist across the globe.

but this magnificent place that once would have resonated with the changings of holy mantras, is now nothing more than a museum all because a man's insecurity.

but we have a hope

that just like Grishneshwar mahadev and Ramjanm bhumi,

this majestic Kailash Mandir will also be revived.

bolo

HAR HAR MAHADEV !!