The story and legend of the Kailasa Temple at Ellora is a fascinating tale that adds a mythical dimension to this architectural marvel. According to the medieval legend cherished by Maharashtra's local people, the temple's construction was miraculously swift, taking only a week to complete.
The story unfolds with a queen deeply concerned about her
ailing husband. In her desperation, she turned to Lord Shiva, fervently praying
for her husband's recovery. In her plea, she promised to build a temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva and vowed to fast until its completion, should her
prayers be answered.
Miraculously, the queen's prayers were answered, and her
husband recovered from his illness. True to her word, she set out to fulfill
her vow by commissioning the construction of the temple. To expedite the
process, an architect named Kokasa was summoned to undertake this formidable
task.
Kokasa, driven by a sense of urgency due to the queen's
fast, made an extraordinary pledge to carve out the entire temple within the
span of a week. Legend has it that he labored tirelessly, working day and night
to meet the seemingly impossible deadline. Despite the immense challenges posed
by such a monumental task, Kokasa miraculously kept his word, and the
construction of the Kailasa Temple was completed within the stipulated time
frame.
This mythical narrative not only adds an element of wonder
to the Kailasa Temple but also underscores the deep spiritual and religious
convictions that inspired its creation. The temple stands today as a testament
to both human ingenuity and devotion, with its intricate carvings and
architectural grandeur continuing to captivate visitors from around the world.
The legend of its swift construction serves as a reminder of the mystical and
transcendent aspects often associated with religious monuments.