Ellora Cave 21

Cave 21, also called Rameshwara Cave, is 400 m from Kailasa Temple and 500 m from the Ellora Caves Bus Stop. It is in the middle of Caves 16 and 29. Researchers discovered the Rameshwara Cave in the late 6th century AD.

Experts believe it is the oldest of the Hindu Caves at Ellora and one of the most interesting caves in the area. The sculptures in this cave and its unique beauty have made it famous, making it one of the places to visit in Ellora Caves.

Ellora Cave 21 Historical Importance

This cave also features a shrine to Lord Siva, whom devotees worshiped as a linga. A Nandi sits on a high stage right in front of the cave. There is a rectangular mandapa and a shrine in the cave, making it an essential spot in Ellora Caves tour packages.

The mandapa features a dwarf wall fully carved on the outside with bands running vertically and horizontally. Two images of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna stand on either side of the door to the mandapa. The dwarf wall has pillars that stick out at regular intervals and have very beautiful and elegant salabhanjikas on them.

Architectural Features and Sculptures

Each end of the mandapa has a shrine, and two cushion capital pillars separate them. The mandapa is 16 feet tall and 69 feet by 251 feet. Monumental sculptures are on the walls of the mandapa and two cells, one on the north and one on the south.

On the south walls of the cell, there are pictures of Saptamatrikas, Nataraja, Kali, and Kala. On the western walls, there are pictures of Kali and Kala. The walls of the north cell show how Siva and Parvati got married, as well as Subrahmanya and Mahisasuramardini.

Two giant statues stand on either side of the shrine's door. To the north is a stone carving of Ravananugraha, and to the south are Siva and Parvati playing the game of Chaucer. The shrine's front doorway is very complicated, with many carvings placed in different sections. Two dwarapalas, one on each side, stand guard at the door. There is a linga in the center. A path for walking around the live rock is cut out for pradakshina.

Depictions of Hindu Deities

Ellora Cave 21, also called Rameshwar Cave, displays detailed pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, features beautiful images of many Hindu gods and women.

Some images that stand out include Shiva and Parvati sitting together and Ravana shaking Mount Kailash. Another striking depiction is Durga's fierce form killing Mahishasura. The intricate art shows the commitment and skill of the time, which makes it an important place to learn about Hindu holy symbols.