Jain Caves (30–34)

The last group

The five Jain caves sit at the northern end of the Ellora ridge, some distance from Kailasa. They were carved mostly in the 9th and 10th centuries, and work carried on in places after that. Most visitors run out of time before they get here, so the caves are often almost empty. The carving is finer than in many of the older caves.

Indra Sabha, Cave 32

The Indra Sabha is the best of the group. It has two storeys and a small shrine standing free in its courtyard, cut from the same rock. A large lotus is carved into the ceiling upstairs. Look for the figures of Mahavira, of Parshvanath with a many-headed snake above him, and of Bahubali standing so still that vines grow up his legs. On the upper floor, the goddess Ambika sits on a lion under a mango tree heavy with fruit. The name Indra Sabha is a 19th-century mistake: the figures once taken for Indra are Jain guardian spirits.

Jagannath Sabha and Chhota Kailash

Cave 33, the Jagannath Sabha, is the second-largest Jain cave, with heavy carved pillars and seated Jinas. Cave 30, the Chhota Kailash or small Kailasa, copies the design of the great temple at a smaller size. It has two large carvings of Indra dancing.

The Jain temple on the hill

On the hill above the caves stands a Jain temple with a rock-cut image of Parshvanath about 5 m tall. It is still in worship and reached by a long flight of steps.

Before you go

The Jain caves are on the main Ellora ticket, closed on Tuesdays. Buses or battery vehicles usually run here from the main area, or you can walk. Come after Kailasa.