Elephanta

Introduction and history: Elephanta caves, was known ancient times as ‘Gharapuri’ or The Place of Caves during the ancient times. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named it ‘Elephanta’ after the great statue, which they had found on the seashore. There are in all seven caves, of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns. The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.

What to see and when to go: The main temple consists of a large pillared hall and there exists a freestanding square shrine at the west end of the hall. The pillars and relief in the cave are gigantic in scale. Set in various niches are a number of large reliefs depicting different aspects of Shaivaite iconography. Around the perimeter of the cave are sculptured compartments with images from the Hindu mythology. The best time to visit these beautiful caves is from the months of November to March.

Things to do: Elephanta Island is a scenic beauty and a piece of solace, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering about. It is strongly recommended that visitors do not bring any food to avoid any interaction with moneys. This place is depicting Lord Shivas different avatar. While you enter from the north gate, a 6.3 meter tall sculpture of three faced Shiva will take away your breath. The three faces depict his role as a creator, protector and destroyer. As you progress you will come across his other avatars as Yogisvara, Shiva Nataraja, and Ardhanarivra.

Accommodation: Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and offers wide variety of accommodation depending on your budget. You can choose your accommodation price from 200 Rupees to a five-digit number.

Mode of transport: You would have tae a ferry from Apollo port near gate way of India. Mumbai is very well connected to rail, road and water ways to national and international regions.

Related links:
• Related Website: www.templenet.com/Maharashtra/elephanta.html

See also (nearby places): Crawford Market, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Flora Fountain and the Gothic/Victorian buildings of the Fort Area, Jehangir Art Gallery, Prince of Wales Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, Malabar Hill, Mani Bhavan, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu Beach.