Earlier called Gharapuri is today's Elephanta Island, which is known for embracing the remarkable Elephanta Caves. To be found about 10 kms off the eastern coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves has been given the position of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The exquisite architecture of these caves makes them a popular attraction for the tourists coming to Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved during the 9th to 13th century, in the ruling period of Silhara kings. The Portuguese vandalized majority of their sculptures in the 17th century. Take a flight of over 100 steps and reach the hill, where you will get the heavenly glimpse of the entire island and nearby caves.
There are seven caves in total and the significant amongst them is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. On its very entrance, you will be welcomed by huge figures of doorkeepers which would really impress you at the moment. Within the temple, there is a huge hall with rows of pillars which appear to clutch the cave's roof. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Cave Temples boast of excellent sculptural content, which also symbolize Lord Shiva in his both forms - 'lingam' as well as His life-sized statue. In the main chamber, you can see the mysterious image of Trimurthi Sadasiva that is about 20 feet tall.
It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva's unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands forPanchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.
Spread over an area of 60,000 sq ft, the cave temple comprises a main chamber, two lateral ones, courtyards and additional shrines. Hewn from solid rock, Elephanta caves are adorned from inch to inch with beautiful reliefs and sculptures. The carved walls of the temple portray the scenes from the Indian mythology. Infact, the entire temple is said to have been erected by removing a rock itself. Majority of the rock surfaces have been over and done with, yet many are left untreated. Every year in February, this heritage site makes the venue for the much-awaited musical event called Elephanta Festival. To put succinctly, Elephanta Caves is a lovely place to get an insight of religious and cultural aspects of India.
There are seven caves in total and the significant amongst them is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. On its very entrance, you will be welcomed by huge figures of doorkeepers which would really impress you at the moment. Within the temple, there is a huge hall with rows of pillars which appear to clutch the cave's roof. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Cave Temples boast of excellent sculptural content, which also symbolize Lord Shiva in his both forms - 'lingam' as well as His life-sized statue. In the main chamber, you can see the mysterious image of Trimurthi Sadasiva that is about 20 feet tall.
It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva's unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands forPanchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.
Spread over an area of 60,000 sq ft, the cave temple comprises a main chamber, two lateral ones, courtyards and additional shrines. Hewn from solid rock, Elephanta caves are adorned from inch to inch with beautiful reliefs and sculptures. The carved walls of the temple portray the scenes from the Indian mythology. Infact, the entire temple is said to have been erected by removing a rock itself. Majority of the rock surfaces have been over and done with, yet many are left untreated. Every year in February, this heritage site makes the venue for the much-awaited musical event called Elephanta Festival. To put succinctly, Elephanta Caves is a lovely place to get an insight of religious and cultural aspects of India.
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