Cave 30 / Chhota Kailash - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1.5 km from Kailasanath Temple and 1.7 km from Ellora Caves Bus Stop, Cave 30 is a Jain Cave situated to the north of Kailasanath Temple in Ellora. This is one of the most remarkable Jain Caves in Ellora.

There are five Jain Caves at Ellora belong to the 9th and 10th centuries AD. They all belong to the Digambara sect. Jain Caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition. These caves reflect a strict sense of asceticism - they are not relatively large as compared to others, but they present exceptionally detailed art works. The most remarkable Jain shrines are the Chhota Kailash (Cave 30), the Indra Sabha (Cave 32) and the Jagannath Sabha (Cave 33). Cave 31 is an unfinished four-pillared hall and a shrine. Cave 34 is a small cave, which can be approached through an opening on the left side of Cave 33.

Cave 30 is the first in the series of Jain Caves known as Chhota Kailasa as it is an unfinished version of the stupendous Hindu Kailasa Temple. It resembles Dravidian temple architecture, an important feature of which is the tower (shikhara) in receding tiers. Inside are images of 22 seated Tirthankaras and Mahavira seated on his Lion throne in the shrine. Another interesting sight of the cave is the majestic rock cut elephant, similar to the one found at Kailash Temple.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days except on Tuesdays.