Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in1987, Elephanta caves
located at Elephanta Islands in Mumbai harbour contains some of
the finest rock-cut sculpture in India. A great tourist attraction,
this island is located 11 km east, across the Arabian sea from the
Gateway of India at Mumbai.
Elephanta caves, the focal point of the Elephanta Island is the
glorious abode of Lord Shiva. There are altogether seven caves
spread on two hills, five on the Westernhill and two on the
Eastern hill. The island originally known
as Gharapuri
(city
of forts) was the capital of Konkan Mauryas and was later re-named
by the Portuguesewhen they captured Bombay from the Sultan of Gujarat
in the16th century. The island was named Elephanta after the colossal
sculpted elephants found there.
The
magnificent rock cut temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, was
probably excavated during the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty
which ruled the area from 757 to 973 AD. Cut out of a basalt rock
face, the cave complex covers an area of about 60,000 square feet
and has a collection of several subsidiary shrines, courtyards,
halls and porticos arranged in a splendid and precise mathematical
symmetry filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and
Goddesses. Stylistically, the carvings in these caves combine the
graceful forms of South Indian Hindu sculpture with the exactness
and poise of Buddhist Gupta Arts. Though extensive damage have been
caused to the sculptures by the Portuguese, they are still remarkable.
The
most important among the caves is Cave One on the Western Hill.
The main sculpture area of this large multicolumned hall is on the
southern wall at the back. Stairs lead to the main entrance on the
north of the cave complex with three openings supported by 28 decorative
pillars, each resting on a square base with fluted shafts. Eight
of the pillars have been destroyed or has collapsed. Facing the
north entrance there is a great manifestation of Lord Siva as Lord
of the Universe ('Mahesvara murthy' or 'Trimurthy') on the south
wall at the back of the cave. The 6 m high idol is a magnificent
one, considered to be a masterpiece of Indian art. The three faces
represent three aspects of Shiva: as the creator (on the right),
the preserver (in the center), and the destroyer (on the left).
The square linga shrine or the main shrine is at the western end
of the main hall in precise axis with the east entrance. Dwarapalas
(doorkeepers) guard each of its four doors originally accompanied
by attendant dwarfs (gana) which are largely missing now. The dwarpalas
can be traced back to the traditions of Buddhist Gupta arts. There
is another shrine on the east with sculptures of dwarapalas and
lions guarding it.
Large
scale scenes are deeply recessed into the walls of the cave. The
compositions depict different aspects of Shiva. There is a much
damaged carving of Lord Shiva seated on a lotus in yogic posture
as Lakulisa and on its right is a vigorously dancing Nataraja. From
the steps at the entrance, the yoni lingam, symbol of Shiva's creative
power can be seen. Shiva and Parvati playing dice, Ravana shaking
Kailasa (right) on which Shiva is seated, Panels spearing the Shiva
killing the demon Andhaka (left) and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati
(right) are positioned at the west end on the south wall. Behind
Parvati stands her father Himalaya and to his left is Chandramas,
the god of the moon, carrying a pot of soma (food of the gods).
On Shiva's left is Vishnu and below is Brahma.
»How to reach Elephanta Caves
The
Elephanta Island is accessible only by boat from the Gateway of
India, Mumbai. A chugging ferry ride from the Gateway of India,
surpassing the fishing boats, large ships, little islands, occasionally
leaping fishes, and it takes 15 minutes to reach the Elephanta Island.
