Aurangabad - III: Ellora - Cave 21 Rameshvara Temple

This is a beautiful cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, excavated in 7^th century A.D and the oldest among the Hindu caves of Ellora.

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

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

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

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

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.

Click below for my experience on Ajanta & Ellora
Ajanta Paintings Cave 1,2
Ajanta Cave 4,6,7

Ajanta Hinayana Caves 9,10

Ajanta Paintings Cave 16,17

Ajanta Cave 19,21,26

Ellora Dumar Lena (Cave 29) &Indra Sabha (Cave 32)

Ellora Kailasa Temple(Cave 16)