Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c22.10

c22.10

The Dumar Lena is one of the largest and most imposing temples on the Ellora site, the conditions of its plan being made possible by the shape of the hill in which it is cut In the interior disposition of its halls, the focal point not only in its ritualistic but also in its architectural aspect, is a massive central shrine, surrounded by gigantic figures guarding the steps on each of its sides which give access to the four doorways of the cella. Leading up to this shrine and partly encircling it is the main hall, a fine rectangular gallery 150 feet long and 50 feet wide, divided into a nave and aisles by a colonnade of five pillars on each side, including the two forming the principal entrance. Flanking the main hall, and opening out of it through a row of four pillars on each side, are the transepts, columned courts communicating with the two lateral entrances, the entire width across the temple between the side portals measuring the same as its depth, 150 feet. This transverse system of halls is not dissimilar in principle to that of a Gothic cathedral, for there are the main or west entrance, the north and south doorways, with pillared aisles from all three converging on to the "high place" confronting the sanctum in the east. (Plate LVI).