Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves are the caves situated at Elephanta, anciently known as Gharapuri, an Island located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai in Maharashtra (India). There are seven caves which are popularly known as Elephanta Caves.

Elephanta island was capital of Konkan Mauryas. The cave temple there is celebrated for its colossal image of Mahesamurti with three heads each representing a different form. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It dates back to 8th century when it was built by the Rashtrakuta kings, who ruled the area between AD 757-973.

Undoubtedly the most important cave is the Mahesa-murti cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticos on the three open sides and the back isle, is 27 metres square and is supported by rows of six columns each. There are also gigantic figures of 'dvarapalas' or doorkeepers.

There are sculptured compartments in this cave with images of Ardhanarisvara, Kalyana-sundara Shiva, Ravana lifting Kailasa, Andhakari-Murti (slaying of Andhaka demon) and Nataraja Shiva.

Nearby pages
Elephantiasis, Elephantine, Eleusinian Mysteries, Eleusis, Eleutheria