Ellora Cave No. 29 The Dhumar Lena — Attraction in Maharashtra

Construction in the early Hindu caves commenced before any of the Buddhist or Jaina caves. These early caves were generally dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, although the iconography suggests that the artisans gave other gods and goddesses of Hinduism prominent and equal reverence. A common feature of these cave temples was a rock cut linga-yoni within the core of the shrine with each being surrounded by a space for circumambulation (parikrama).

Cave 29, also called Dhumar Lena, is one of earliest excavations in Ellora and among the largest. Early Hindu temple building in the cave centred around the "Vale Ganga", a natural waterfall that was integrated into the monument.The waterfall is visible from a rock carved balcony to the south and has been described as "falling over great Shiva's brow", particularly during monsoon season. The carvings in this cave are larger than life size but, according to author Dhavalikar, they are "corpulent, stumpy with disproportionate limbs" compared to those found in other Ellora caves.

The Hindu caves were constructed during the Kalachuris period, from the mid 6th century to the end of the 8th century in two phases. Nine cave temples were excavated early in the 6th century, followed by a further four caves (caves 17–29). Work first commenced, in order, on Caves 28, 27 and 19 then Caves 29 and 21, which were excavated concurrently with Caves 20 and 26. Caves 17 and 28 were the last ones to be started.

The later caves, 14, 15 and 16, were constructed during the Rashtrakuta period, some being dated to between the 8th to 10th centuries. Work first began in Caves 14 and 15 with Cave 16, the world's largest monolith,being the last of the three to be constructed.These caves were completed in the 8th-century with the support of...

There are two ways to reach this cave, one lies on the road from the Kailasa to the Jaina caves, while the second goes via the narrow strip under the cliff. Carved in a projecting scarp to the north of the waterfall, it is the largest Brahmanical cave. The hall, shaped as a cruciform, has is the main one. This is indicated by the figures of lions and elephants guarding its steps as well as by the Nandi-platform in front of it. The cave also has twenty-six massive kalasa-topped pillars, with necks on some of the kalasas. A flight of steps leads one from the southern entrance to the stream formed by the waterfall. Each of the entrances is flanked by large sculptures that are beautifully executed.

The eastern wall of the south entrance has a magnificent sculpture representing the marriage of Siva with Parvati. To the south of this panel is a larger-than-life sculpture probably of Sarasvati. The western wall has a sculpture in two sections, the upper one showing Siva and Parvati playing dice and the lower one Brahma, Vishnu and Nandi. At the upper ends are beautiful representations of dikpalas on their mounts and others. Ravana shaking the Kailasa mountain and Andhakari are seen respectively on the south and north walls of the western entrance. The east wall of the northern entrance has Lakulisa seated on a lotus supported by Nagarajas, while the west wall has a powerful dancing Siva. To the north of Lakulisa is a sculpture of Yamuna standing on a tortoise.

The shrine, containing a linga, is in the rear of the cave. It is open on all four sides, each of which is guarded by a pair of gigantic but exquisitely-finished dvarapalas...

Also Known as Dumar Lena, Cave 29 is another important excavation at Ellora by the side of Sita-Ki-Nahani, a pool created by a waterfall in the Elaganga River. Dated to late 6th century AD, Cave 29 is said to be influenced by the pattern of the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai.

This cave is compared with the ones at Elephanta and Jogeswari Caves but this one is larger, finer and of a later age. This is the best preserved and largest of all the three, which were executed on the same plan. The Dumar Lena consists of an isolated shrine located within a group of halls arranged on a cruciform plan. The entire excavation extends to almost 250 feet. The shrine houses a huge linga entered through four entrances flanked by huge dwarapalas. Two large lions with small elephants under their paws guard the steps which lead to the hall from three sides.

The halls are adorned with six huge sculptural panels depicting various episodes connected with Lord Siva. They are Ravana Shaking Mount Kailasa, the celestial marriage between Lord Siva and Parvati, Andhakasuravadamurti, Siva and Parvati playing chausar, Nataraja, Lakulisa (form of Lord Siva). River goddesses are positioned outside the north and south entrance. This cave also has two mysterious sculpted depressions, one on south and other on the north. The exact function of these depressions is not clearly understood. Various identifications have been proposed, the prominent among them is that they are religious Vedic altars used at specific important religious rituals.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM on all days except...