Carved in the 8th century from a single, massive rock face, the Kailasa Temple at Ellora is one of the world’s largest monolithic structures—and long surrounded by mysteries. Entirely hewn from top to bottom, the temple contains complex drainage systems, hidden chambers, and perfectly aligned columns that appear almost impossibly precise for its era. Local lore tells of architect Kokasa, said to have built the impossible structure in record time after divine instruction, while others speak of celestial artisans aiding the Rashtrakuta kingdom.