Ellora Cave 29

The Hindu Cave 29 is also in Ellora. It is to the north of the Kailasa Temple. This is the first and last Hindu dig at Ellora that has been finished.

Cave 29 is another vital dig at Ellora. It is located next to Sita-Ki-Nahani, a pool made by a waterfall in the Elaganga River. It is also known as Dumar Lena. People compare this cave to the Elephanta and Jogeswari Caves, but this one is bigger, better, and older. Architects built all three on the same plan, but this one is the biggest and best preserved.

History and Mythological Significance of Ellora Cave 29

Constructors built Cave 29 in the late sixth century AD, drawing inspiration from the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai. People compare this cave to the Elephanta and Jogeswari Caves, but this one is bigger, better, and older. Constructors built three of them using the same plan, but this one is the biggest and best preserved. 

The Dumar Lena consists of a shrine separated from the rest of the building, surrounded by a group of halls arranged in a cruciform shape. The whole site is about 250 feet long. Visitors exploring this cave as part of an Ellora Caves tour package can witness its grand architecture and historical significance.

Architectural Style and Carvings

Six substantial sculpture pieces in the halls show different events related to Lord Siva. Ravana is shaking Mount Kailasa, the wedding of Lord Siva and Parvati in heaven, Andhakasuravadamurti, Siva and Parvati playing the chaser, Nataraja, and Lakulisa, who is a form of Lord Siva.

Also, there are river goddesses outside the north and south entrances. This cave also contains two uniquely shaped depressions. One is in the south, and the other is in the north. No one is certain about the purpose of these depressions. Many theories exist, but the most popular one suggests they served as religious Vedic temples for important ceremonies.

Connection to Hindu Legends

Cave 29 at the Ellora Caves, also called Dhumar Lena, serves as an essential Hindu cave temple dedicated to Mahadev Shiva. It has a cruciform shape with a big shrine that holds a linga-yoni and walls that show stories about Shiva. 

Near the steps from the door, a sculpture depicts Ravana shaking Mount Kailasa. Hindu texts say that Ravana tried to raise Mount Kailasa one time. However, Shiva pushed the rock down and trapped Ravana inside. This cave is one of the must-see places to visit in Ellora Caves, offering a glimpse into ancient rock-cut architecture and mythology.