Location
Elephanta
caves are located on a small island called Elephanta in the capital city of
Maharastra, Mumbai. The place is 10km away from yet another important
monument - the Gateway of India.
Overview
Elephanta Island used to be popular as Gharapuri in the past. The place is
famous, throughout the Indian sub continent, for its caves. These caves
feature some exquisitely carved rock temples that date back to 6th century
A.D. The caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of these caves depict
images of Lord Shiva in many forms - creator, protector and destroyer. The
place was named Elephanta by Portuguese after finding an elephant carved at
the landing site. Elephanta Caves were declared as a World Heritage Site in
the year 1987, by UNESCO.
Architecture
The caves temples are the main attractions of the island and are spread
over an area of 60,000 square feet. These temples stand on top of a hill and
feature several shrines, courtyards, halls, porticos, etc. The entire
structure was created by cutting out rocks and creating rows and columns.
The rows and columns were further engraved and that is how the carvings
stand. A total of seven caves are present at the site. The main cave is
supported by 26 pillars with various positions of lord Shiva. The site of
these magnificent caves contains beautiful reliefs, sculptures and a temple
dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The carvings on these caves represent typical
south Indian sculpture style.
Attractions
»
Trimurti - The main attraction is the three headed idol Brahma, Vishnu
and Mahesha.
» Mahesa murti cave - It is a 27 m square cave
supported by rows of six columns each. The figures of Dwarapala or
doorkeepers here are very impressive.
How to Reach
Mumbai is easily accessible from all parts of India by a good network of
air, rail and roads. The Elephanta caves can also be reached by ferry from
the gateway of India.
» Air - The nearest airport is Mumbai International
Airport.
» Rail - Nearest railheads are Church gate,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
» Road - One can reach Mumbai by road from the
neighboring states as regular bus services are available. One has to take a
ferry from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India to reach the cave
temples.
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