About 11kms offshore of the Gateway of India is a small but beautiful island known as the Elephanta Island. The Elephanta Caves here are the home of Lord Shiva.
Carved in solid Basalt rock these caves are an artistic example of surpassing skill. Originally Built by the Rashtraputa kings in 6th century A.D. the caves prominently depict the rock cut architecture of that time .
Also known as the 'Gharapuri' meaning the 'Place of Caves' this island got its present name from a huge black stone figure of a huge Elephant.
When the Portuguese first landed here they found a statue of a Elephant which they moved to the shore. Today this statue stands in front of The City Zoo, Raniche baug(victoria garden).
The cave temple opens out on three sides. Light enters these caves from various sides causing the sculptures to glow adding to the beauty of the caves.
The 'Mahesha Murti' a three headed bust of Lord Shiva standing 6meters in height is the most famous of the sculptures.
The left side signifies Shiva as the destroyer, the right the preserver and the front as the meditative Shiva.
In the main cave there are nine carvings showing various moods and forms of Shiva.
the nine sculptures show
1. The yogic Shiva
2. Lord Shiva as a dancer
3. Shiva and Parvati in a marriage ceremony
4. Parvarti on Mount Kailash
5. Shiva lifting Kailash
6. Descent of the Ganges
7. Shiva as Maheshmurti
8. Shiva slaying a demon
9. Shiva as Ardhnarinateshwar
The Caves is now one of the 16 sites in India marked as world monuments.
The island can be reached by motor launches. There are a lot of trips between 8a.m. to 2:30p.m.
It takes about an hour to reach to the island.
Launch fares: Rs.85 for Adult(Deluxe launch with guide)
Rs.65 for Adult(ordinary launch)
Nearest station : C.S.T.(Victoria Terminus) on central railway and Churchgate on Western Railway
Ferries and Launches are available from Gateway of India.
Please note: Last launch from Elephanta island leaves at 5:30p.m.
No response to “Elephanta Caves”
Leave a reply