Monday, August 10, 2015

Ramesvara, Ellora

In Ellora the cave numbered as 21 is a Shiva Temple and in front of it in the open court yard on a lofty pedestal with carvings on all the the sides is a Nandi. This cave dates back to 8th century A.D and locally known as "Ramesvara". 



The shrine has an oblong hall of 16 feet in height and with two side shrines on either side. This magnificent cave has a beautiful facade, supported by beautifully crafted pillars. At the top portion of the front pillars are brackets carved with female figures standing under foliage, with their attendant dwarfs. 



There are several sculptures in this cave of gigantic proportions.  One among them on the right sidewall depicts the Mahisasuramardhini episode where Goddess Mahishasuri is slaying the buffalo demon.



On the left end, is a tall four armed figure standing with on its both sides are attendants with animal heads. 



On the back wall of the hall is a beautiful sculpture portraying the scene of Ravana with five heads shaking the Kailasa on his head upon which are Siva and Parvati with their attendants.

33 comments:

Liz Needle said...

Great shots Rajesh. Your posts are always so interesting and exotic.

R Niranjan Das said...

Lovely sculptures!

Blogoratti said...

What a great place, interesting sculptures and designs. Greetings!

rupam sarma said...

Wonderful photos

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Beautiful and interesting.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

So interesting to see :)

Jackie and Joel Smith said...

Oh my, I love those close up shots that show the action . . .too often we glance at lovely sculptures and don't pay attention to the detail!

Donna said...

This is such a magnificent spot...caves so intricately carved is something I have never seen!

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Part of the history of India in every photo you take Rajesh and I find your storytelling fascinating too.
Shane

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

It is amazing to think these beautiful sculpture carvings were made in the 8th century! Their beauty has endured the test of time.

Jane said...

Just something to think about how old the caves are and the stories the carvings represent! Thanks for sharing!

LifeRamblings said...

wonderful sculptures with interesting stories behind them.

Sylvia K said...

What a fascinating place, Rajesh!! So much history and some lovely skies as well!! Thank you for sharing as always! Hope your week is going well!!

Photo(Geo)grapher said...

Nice post. Lovely photos

Anonymous said...

What lovely sculptures.

magiceye said...

Amazing work!

Anonymous said...

excellent :)

Al said...

That's an amazing place - I'm always impressed by these ancient temples and their workmanship.

Unknown said...

Nice entry with much information and beautiful photographs!

Leslie: said...

Extravagant carvings - lovely.

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

the vastness of your country allows many treasurers to be shared.

ROG, ABCW

sunshine said...

A wonderful architecture.

Obsessivemom said...

I remember visiting the caves with some friends from work and it was a lot of fun. They are truly beautiful.

BeatAboutThe Book

photowannabe said...

Fascinating.

Photo Cache said...

Just dropping by.

My ABC WEDNESDAY

K V V S MURTHY said...

Interesting post..!

Ira said...

Wow! The little information accompanying the post makes it a thorough read.

Jeevan said...

Marvelous! Great depict thought sculptures

Oakland Daily Photo said...

The richness of Indian history and culture is mind blowing.

Joy said...

Fascinating place, I like how you show the sculptures leading into the interior.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Amazing what human beings can do!

Ananya said...

Wow Wow.. Wanna see this in real :)

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Thomas Lee/Lee Lip Pang said...

nice cave carvings