A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar c21.53

c21.53

The Dumarlena (Pl. VIa), the only example of the third type at Ellora, has three separate entrances, one at the front and one on each wing. It is much larger than the previous types in its area and in the scale of its parts, and the light entering the temple from three different directions makes the interior much more impressive than in the other types. The central feature of the lena is a massive shrine guarded by huge dvārapālas by the sides of each of its four doorways, reached by flights of steps. ‘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 are the transepts leading to the two lateral entrances, the width across the temple between the side-entrances being the same as its depth. Each of the three entrances is a wide pillared opening approached by a flight of steps guarded by sejant lions mounted on pedestals on either side. The pillars within the temple are of huge proportions, 15 feet high and 5 feet wide at the base, and carry ‘cushion’ capitals.