Some years back when we were at Mumbai, like all tourists we too visited Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Haji Ali ki dargah, Chattrapati shivaji Terminus, Eros Theatre, Churchgate station, Colaba, Mumbai Devi Mandir, Marine drive, Shani Dev mandir and Escon temple. However, as you know we are more of a heritage traveller than a tourist and so yet another heritage adventure trip called us to the Elephanta Caves.
So that's how it all started, from Kota to Mumbai and then from suburbs to visiting all the places until our last destination: Gateway of India. And we saw kiosks of travel agents organising trips to Elephanta caves, we decided to go there right away but they said its an island and we need to be here in the morning to be able to enjoy the experience. Next day, as planned we were ready with our hats and sunglasses, some food to munch on, a bottle of water and our fully charged camera.
Some important info : Timings : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM , Mondays closed.
Carry DSLR camera for best results as its all dark inside the caves, p.s. a torch too shall be handy, esp. for the famous Mahesh Murti.
Some important info : Timings : 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM , Mondays closed.
Carry DSLR camera for best results as its all dark inside the caves, p.s. a torch too shall be handy, esp. for the famous Mahesh Murti.
 | Elephanta Caves, closely knit to Mumbai, at a small island of great scenic beauty witnessed in history for over 2000 years. Buddhist have erected stupas here in 2nd century B.C and caves were carved by Hindus in the 6th century A.D. |
So our trip started with jumping on a ferry from Gateway of India which took us to the Elephanta Caves, the entire aura appeared so lively and colourful, with water all around us, Gateway of India stands tall at one side and slightly evident lush green island which appeared greener as we moved closer to it. The ferry trip is definitely worth a try, it adds on to the adventure trip feel. As our ferry reached closer to the island, there was a walk-able path which we had to follow, where we also found a small toy train on the walk lane to help us reach the destination. And finally we reached at the Main Caves, Cave One.
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Locally known as 'Gharapuri', was named Elephanta owing to the huge stone statue of an Elephant.
there are seven rock cut caves at the sites. Examples of Rock cut architecture, is a distinctive feature of Asian Indian art particularly of Maharashtra about 1500 rock cut caves, from the 2 nd centuary B.C. to the 13th centuary A.D. In fact the earliest Hindu rock cut shrine is in Mumbai itself, The Jogeshwari Caves, is believed to be the first Hindu temple.assigned to the first half of 6th centuary A.D.
there are seven rock cut caves at the sites. Examples of Rock cut architecture, is a distinctive feature of Asian Indian art particularly of Maharashtra about 1500 rock cut caves, from the 2 nd centuary B.C. to the 13th centuary A.D. In fact the earliest Hindu rock cut shrine is in Mumbai itself, The Jogeshwari Caves, is believed to be the first Hindu temple.assigned to the first half of 6th centuary A.D.
Most of caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, a most important divinity of the Hindu pantheon. Caves are embellished with elegant sculptures gigantic in proportion narrating some of the pauranik stories associated with Lord Shiva. They are carved in deep recesses and are characterized by tremendous force and vitality.
 | The central figures , |
The Main Cave | So let's get started with our entrance to the Main cave at Elephanta. The Main cave at Elephanta can be considered as one among the most impressive Hindu temple in India. Colossal bust of Shiva, the presiding deity is carved in the southern wall. The principal figures are larger than life and are marked by forceful gestures and postures.In fact the cave is almost identical to the dumar lena of Ellora cave no. 29. |
| Main Hall 1. Ravana lifting Kailash 2. Shiva-Parvati on Kailash 3. Ardhanarishvara 4. Trimurti 5. Gangadhara 6. Wedding of Shiva 7. Shiva slaying Andhaka 8. Nataraja 9. Yogishvara 16. Linga | Layout: | East Wing Shrine 10. Kartikeya 11. Matrikas 12. Ganesha 13. Dvarapala West Wing Shrine 14. Yogishvara 15. Nataraja |
The Main Sculptures
Shiv as Mahayogi / Lakulisha | The first most eminent sculpute that we noticed was the Shiva as Mahayogi / Lakulisha, seated in the yogic posture , Padamasana , on a lotus, wearing the Jata Mukuta. In fact the identification of the image as Lakulisha is sometimes questioned as it seems to represent Shiva as mahayogi. |
Ravan shaking Kailasha | Ravananugraha : Shiva and Parvati are depicted seated on Mount Kailash in the upper portion of the portrayal, while Ravana, lifting the mount is portrayed in the lower register.In the upper register, the central figures are the four-armed Shiva and to his left hand side, Parvati, who clings to her husband with her two arms flung around him.Shiva is calm, comforting his terrified consort, embracing her with one or two arms. |
Shiv Parvati, seatedsouth east corner of the hall depicts shiva Parvati seated on a high platform on the base of which a number of figures were carved. |  |
Ardh narishwar Shiv | The union of Shiv and Shakti , the half male and half female form of the God , the left side of female and the right being male, representing God Shiva as the God of Creation. This figure is four armed and the two left hands that of the female part, holds a mirror in the upper left while the lower left is resting in waist probably holding the tuft of the lower garment. One of his right hands rests on Nandi’s left horn, Shiva's mount. The other right hand holds a serpent. Shiva is surrounded on all sides by different Hindu God and devotees; Brahma, Vishu, Indra, Varun, Kartikeya besides attendants such as fly whisk bearers. |
 | Mahesh Murti : The one among the finest creation of the Indian genious. |
Carved in the back wall or the south wall exactly opposite the main entrance to the cave on the north. 5.45 mtetres in height on a one metre high platform represents the three different forms of Shiva of the three heads of God.
  | The right side of the God represents Aghora or Rudra which is the destroyer aspect. The central one is characterized by gentle expression with half closed eyes in deep meditation. The third head on the left side of God is known as Vama-deva (Uma). the female form , as in this aspect he is the preserver of the universe. The face is fringed by ringlets on the forehead which can be seen below the jata mukuta. A bangle is seen on the left hand holding a lotus. |
Similar Mahesh Murti is evident at Hadoti at Badoli group of temples. Dr. Sushma Ahuja in her comparative study researched in the similarities between the two and suggested that both are a remarkable example of three different forms of Shiva however, both are often mistaken to be reflective of Trimurti.
Gangadhara SivaSiva is also known as Gangadhara because he carried Ganga on his head. In this panel Shiva's rear left hand holds his matted lock out of which emanates a female figure representing the river Ganga. |  |
Kalyan Sundar Murti | In south India the ritual of marriage is called Kalyanam so the panel showcasing the marriage of shiv and Parvati is kalyan sundar murti. The main figure of Lord Shiva is of gigantic proportions about 3.30 mt. in height. and Parvati though smaller than Shiva is also quite tall. both are shown standing, Parvathy to shiva's right, Shiv holding the hand of the bride. |
Shiva has a head dress with a shining disc. His garments being well-draped, and well-tied at the waist. The sacred thread is seen across his chest. Parvati is carved as a perfect figure with coiffured hair dress, perfectly adorned with jewellery and is draped tightly. She is led by her father, Himalaya who has his right hand on her shoulder, suggesting he is performing the Kanyadan ceremony in which the Bride is offered to the Groom. Even though both her hands are damaged, it is inferred that her left hand clasped Shiva's right hand as a mark of marriage. Brahma is sitting as the officiating priest for the marriage. Vishnu is witness to the marriage. Mena, the mother of Parvati is seen standing next to Vishnu. The moon-god Chandra, seen with a wig and a crescent, is standing behind Parvati holding a circular pot with nectar for the marriage ceremony. Just above the main images, a galaxy of divinities, bearded sages, apsaras (nymphs), Vidyadharas,Yakshis, Gandharvas, Bhringi, and other male and female attendants are seen as witness to the marriage ceremony showering flowers on the divine couple
Kalyan Sundar Murti is beautifully evident at Ellora Caves and also at Anwan group of temples of Hadoti region.
Kalyan Sundar Murti is beautifully evident at Ellora Caves and also at Anwan group of temples of Hadoti region.
Andhakasura vadha Murti
Andhakasur was set to have been born of a drop of sweat falling from Shiva's third eye, later he became wicked and starting harassing Gods. They went to Siva, Siva created a Shakti Yogeshwari and defeated the demon Andhak (Andhakasur).
Andhakasur murti of Shiva is an ugra form of God. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
Andhakasur murti of Shiva is an ugra form of God. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
Siva as Natraj
The figure represents Siva as Natraj in the dancing posture shown standing in a tri bhanga posture as he is dancing. He is surrounded by attendants and devotees.
Saivagamas described a total of 108 dancing postures of Siva. According to some scholars the Natraj image of Elephanta represents the Lalita variety of dancing of Lord Shiva.
Saivagamas described a total of 108 dancing postures of Siva. According to some scholars the Natraj image of Elephanta represents the Lalita variety of dancing of Lord Shiva.
Siva Shrine
The dwarpals of the Elephanta Caves guarding the shrine are very huge and the tallest figures at Elephanta. There is a Shivling fixed in the rockcut pedestal.
The Eastern wing
 Elephanta Caves is undoubtedly a blend of marvellous pieces of sculptures which are not just stones or rocks but an example for human kind to be positive and look forward with a fresh approach with a faith in himself and in God. | The Experience of visiting Elephanta Caves not only gave us an insight to the various forms of Siva but also got us acquainted to the various reasons why we consider him as the Supreme Power of creation and destruction, both birth and death. -Dr. Sushma Ahuja |
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