Location:
Elephanta Caves TourElephanta 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 dedicted 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.
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