Location : Elephanta Island (10 km from the
Gateway of India), Maharashtra
About
Elephanta Caves Information
The Elephanta Caves are a group of rock-carved temples dating back to 5th
century CE. Lying in the vicinity of the city of Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves
attract huge number of visitors from all around. The exquisite caves stand
on the which is 10 km from the Gateway of India, Mumabi. The Portuguese
named the island Elephanta as there stood a statue of an elephant near the
landing area of the island. The temples are carved in dedication to Shiva
Mahadeva. Motorboats take the travellers and visitors to the island from
Apollo Bunder near the Gateway of India. November to March is the ideal time
to pay a visit to the enchanting caves.
History of Elephanta Caves
The magnificent rock-cut temples of the Elephanta Caves date back to the
5th century CE. The temples stand on the Elephanta Island. The temples were
formed by carving out rock thereby creating columns and internal spaces.
Architecture
The whole temple complex is built over an area of 60000 sq feet. The temple
provides access to the devotees and visitors by three sides. The temple
complex consists of a main chamber, courtyard and numerous shrines. Among
the three entrances to the temple, the east and the west mark the axis of
the temple complex. The axis of the temple is lined by a 20-pillar hall. On
the western end of the hall is a cellar enshrining a Shivalingam. At the end
of the north-south axis is the image of Trimurthi Sadasiva, a manifestation
of Lord Shiva. The colossal 20-feet high image of Sadasiva is a three-headed
structure, thus the name Trimurthi. The Trimurthi is considered to be a
masterpiece of the ancient Indian architecture. There are elaborately
sculptured images of Kalyanasundara, Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma
Maheswara on the southern wall. Natraja and Andhakaasuravadamoorthy images
lie to the west of the northern entrance. To the east of the entrance are
the images of Yogiswara and Ravanaanugrahamoorthy. On the whole, the
Elephanta Caves portray the non-anthropomorphic forms of Shivalingam as well
as the quintessential and the manifest forms.
Other Attractions near by Elephanta Caves
» The Elephanta Island - The Elephanta Island was
named after a statute of an elephant that today stands in Bombay's Victoria
Gardens. The island can be easily reached by motorboats and ferries that
depart from the Gateway of India, taking you into a world which is a
treasure for a lifetime.
»
The Gateway of India -
The Gateway of India is built in yellow basalt and lies at a distance of 10
km from the island. The gigantic structure of the gateway is the creation of
Geroge Wittet's brilliance. It is the entrance to all those who wish to
explore the golden city of Mumbai.
» The Elephanta Festival - The Elephanta Festival is
yet another attraction of the Elephanta Island and attracts large number of
tourists and holiday-makes from across India and abroad. The festival lasts
for two days. The classical dance performances and other cultural programmes
are held in the open air to add to the delight of the visitors all the more.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation holds this festival.
