The Chota Kailasa was chiselled from a rock-mass to create it midst a 130x80 feet pit on the edge of a basalt cliff. It has three levels (tritala), but for some unknown reason the work was left unfinished in certain sections of the temple. Nevertheless, the finished sections and Jaina carvings echo of Rastrakuta rock-cut mastery.
This temple's courtyard includes an exquisite Tirthankara pavilion with finely carved Jaina figures. The garbhagṛha doorway displays a richly decorated pañcaśākhā frame with intricate lotus motifs. The narrative reliefs depict notable scenes from Jaina mythology with dynamic sculptural quality. Its superstructure includes a harmonious barrel-vaulted roof with monumental scale. The interior columns feature gorgeously sculpted vyāla motifs with exquisite precision. All these features remind one of the grandeur and style of the big Kailasa temple nearby.
Near the Chota Kailasa are additional Jaina caves that are remarkable. Along with Ellora caves, the nearby Ajanta caves suggest that Maharashtra already hosted exceptional artisans, architects and craftsmen by the 8th-century. They also suggest an inclusive Indian culture that celebrated diverse religious traditions.