So many of our temples, either in the north or in the South, boast elaborate shikharas, mandapas, vimanas. But some of the earliest places of worship were sculpted deep into rock faces and hill caves.
Masroor Rock-Cut Temple, Himachal Pradesh
A 8th century monolithic temple complex carved from a single rock, it has shrines honouring Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and others of the pantheon and gorgeous views.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
Near Katra, Jammu, dating the revered Hindu pilgrimage spot, that honours Goddess Vaishno Devi, is not easy. The cave has apparently been in existence for a million years and there are references to the Devi in the Mahabharat.
Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
A vast rock-cut complex, that came into existence 600-1000 AD, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, Jain temples, its highlight is the Kailasa Temple, an extraordinary monolithic structure dedicated to Shiva. Hardly an hour's drive away are 30 Buddhist caves of Ajanta.
Phuktal Monastery, Ladakh
Built around a cave and precariously hanging from a craggy the very remote 15th century gompa is situated high above the Zanskar valley and houses excellentl murals. And is one among many Ladakh Buddhist shrines in caves
Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
Located in Mumbai harbour, the 5th-6th century AD carved caves are primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and are known for the majestic Trimurti sculpture. Archaelogical remnants from 2nd BC have been found on the island.
Mandagapattu Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu
The 7th century AD rock-hewn temple, created by a Pallava king dynasty, is in the name of the Shiva-Vishnu-Brahma trinity and uses no brick, timber, metal, mortar.
Ravana Phadi Cave, Karnataka
An early Chalukyan rock-cut shrine (from 6th century AD), at Aihole, on the Malaprabha river, again devoted to Lord Shiva, with wonderful work representing Parvathi, Vishnu, Ganesha too.
Amarnath Temple, Kashmir
At 12,756 ft, the cave temple is home to a a naturally-formed ice lingam symbolising Shiva, around for centuries with earliest references from the 12th century AD.
Lohani Caves, Madhya Pradesh
Near Mandu, they are sanctuaries fashioned from rock dating back to the 11th-12th century AD. Excavations uncovered numerous figures and stone relief representing forms of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi.