Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves (मराठी. घारापुरीच्या लेण्या - Caves of Gharapuri) are caves located on Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, India that contain Shaivistic high reliefs in stone of Hindu deities important to worshipers of Shiva. The sculptures were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or some time after, and at later dates. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.

The original name of this epitome of temple art is Agraharpuri. Agrahar is the necklace or most important neck ornament. THe Agraharpuri slowly became Gharapuri; still retaining the original meaning as the focal point of Gharapuri Island, which was renamed Elephanta Island by the Portuguese and is located in Mumbai harbour off the coast of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), India. In 1987, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is visited by many domestic and foreign tourists. In recent years, complaints have been made that visitors mistreat this important cultural and historic site. Most of the sculptures here were defaced by the Portuguese, who used the sculptures as target practice in the 17th century. The Portuguese also gave the island its modern name, Elephanta from Gharapuri.

The caves are thought to date back to the Silhara kings of the 9th through 13th centuries (810–1260). Шаблон:Fact Some of the sculptures of this site are also attributed to the imperial Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (in present day Karnataka), the Trimurti of Elephanta showing the three faces of Shiva almost akin to the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. This was also the royal insignia of the Rashtrakutas. Other Rashtrakuta sculptures here are the reliefs of Nataraja and Sadashiva and the splendid sculptures of Ardhanarishvara.Шаблон:Fact

The rock-cut temple complex cover an area of Шаблон:Convert consisting of a main chamber, 2 lateral ones, courtyards and subsidiary shrines. The site of these magnificent caves contained beautiful reliefs, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu god Śiva. The caves are hewn from solid rock. The temple complex is said to be the abode of Shiva.

Trimurti-Sadashiva Statue

The most important sculpture is that of Trimurti Sadasiva, carved in relief at the end of the N-S axis. The image, Шаблон:Convert in height is of the three headed-Shiva, representing Panchamukha Shiva. The right half-face shows him as a young person with sensuous lips, embodying life and its vitality. In his hand he holds something that resembles a rose bud -- again with the promise of life and creativity. It is this face that is closest to that of Brahma, the creator or Uma or Vamadeva,the feminine side of Shiva. The left half-face face on the side is that of a young man. It is moustached, and displays anger. This is Shiva as Aghora Bhairava, as the one whose anger can engulf the entire world in flames leaving only ashes behind. This is Shiva, the Destroyer. The central face, benign, meditative, as the preserver Vishnu. This is Shiva as the yogi -- Yogeshwar -- in deep meditation praying for the 'preservation' of humanity.

Reference notes

Шаблон:Commonscat

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Bijan Young
30 January 2015
Take the mini train to the caves once stocked up with water. Grab one of the cooked maize as you get to the caves. Once off the train there are a number of steps so make sure any elders can beforehand
Jesse Houwing
2 November 2014
Buy your ticket in front of gateway to India, directly from the ticket booth. Once on the island you don't need a map. A guidebook can helpful if you want to learn about the different depictions.
HISTORY TV18
23 January 2013
The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 km. to the east of the city of Mumbai.
Appy Sharma
26 October 2013
I really don't care about the caves but all I wanted to see is the sunset from the island. It's was like Mumbai city is swallowing the sun. Anyways! Beware of Monkeys ;)
Valon Tuoja
7 March 2015
A mystical place which has the spirits speaking to you through the ages. Certainly one of the most interesting places I have visited.
Bijan Young
30 January 2015
Cave 1 is the most impressive. But the other caves are good to see and enjoy the history.
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