Aurangabad - III: Ellora - Cave 21 Rameshvara Temple
This is a beautiful cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, excavated in 7th century A.D and the oldest among the Hindu caves of Ellora.
![Profound detailing of the hair style]( "Profound detailing of the hair style") |
| Profound detailing of the hair style |
The rectangular mandapa inside the cave has two cells one on the north and the other south which has large sculptural demonstrations on its walls. The south cell has images of Saptamatrikas in seated positions, with a stunning sculpture of Nataraja on eastern wall and Kali and Kala on western wall.
![sculpture of Nataraja on eastern wall]( "sculpture of Nataraja on eastern wall") |
| sculpture of Nataraja on eastern wall |
![Panel of Kali and Kala on western wall]( "Panel of Kali and Kala on western wall") |
| Panel of Kali and Kala on western wall |
The North cell has images of the Kalyanasundaramurti, with Subrahmanya on its western wall and Mahisasura mardini (Durga slaying the buffalo demon) on its eastern wall.
On either side of the entrance to the shrine are two huge representations, Ravananugraha murti to its north(left) and Siva and Parvati playing the game of chausar to its south(right).
![Depiction of Ravana shaking Kailasa]( "Depiction of Ravana shaking Kailasa") |
| Depiction of Ravana shaking Kailasa |
The main shrine is guarded by the images of dwarapalakas on either sides and the sanctum contains a linga.
![Panels on the right side of sanctum]( "Panels on the right side of sanctum") |
| Panels on the right side of sanctum |
![Dwarapalakas guarding at the Sanctum]( "Dwarapalakas guarding at the Sanctum") |
| Dwarapalakas guarding at the Sanctum |
The caves 18 till 28 are lined up along with cave 21, which are not of much significance.
![The marble lining representing the path on the road]( "The marble lining representing the path on the road") |
| The marble lining representing the path on the road |
![Neighboring cave 22]( "Neighboring cave 22") |
| Neighboring cave 22 |
Didn't had enough time to explore other Hindu caves, we directly headed towards our most awaited attraction of the entire trip.
