The Elephanta Caves (a blend of history and heritage) which is locally known as Gharapurichi Leni, (basically Gharapuri) are a network of sculpted caves spotted on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (which literally means “the city of caves”) is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The island, located in the loop of the Arabian Sea. It consists of two groups of caves i.e. a large group of five Hindu caves which contains rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva and the second one is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The plan of the temple is in a way such that important points are laid out in the form of a mandala.
Talking about some interesting and intriguing facts about the Elepahanta caves we have a list ready for you, which will not only excite you but make you want to go there and see it by yourself.
And this is definitely a must-visit site for all kinds of people whether you are a history buff, an excited traveler or an appreciator of art or history. So, here we go with our facts-
- The Elephanta island on which Elephanta Caves are situated was originally known as Gharapuri, before the Portuguese renamed it as Elephanta, after finding a large stone shaped elephant near their landing place.
- There are seven cave excavations comprising the Elephanta Caves, dating back to 6th-7th centuries A.D. i.e. the time of the Silhara Kings.
- There are people with great knowledge and power who suggest that the great warrior Prince of Chalukya Dynasty – Pulakesin ii built the Lord Shiva temple, to celebrate his grand slam.
- The rock-cut temple complex comprises of a main enclosure, 2 lateral enclosures, courtyards and subsidiary shrines, covering an area of 60,000 sq ft.
- Elephanta Caves are made from solid rock which makes it look historical as well as exquisite.
- The lining of the cave walls comprises of a series of sculptured panels that portray images from Indian mythology. The main sculpture inside the Elephanta Caves is the Trimurti Sadasiva, which is 20 ft in height, is that of the three headed-Lord, representing Panchamukha (five headed) Shiva.
- The central Shiva relief Trimurti is sited on the south wall and is flanked by Ardhanarisvara which is a half-woman, half-man representation of Shiva, on its left and you can see Gangadhara on its right. This symbolizes the River Ganges’ descent from Shiva’s matted locks.
- At Elephanta Caves there are a lot more depictions of Lord Shiva, such as depiction of Lord Shiva as Yogisvara which means (Lord of Yogis), it is seated on a lotus, and another depiction as Shiva Nataraja, which is the many-armed cosmic dancer. Some of the Other sculptures include the depiction of Shiva crushing Ravana with his toe, and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
- Talking about the most impressive cave on Elephanta Island, it is definitely Cave 1, which represents the beautifully evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture.
- In 1987, the famous Elephanta Caves was given a title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Presently, to our surprise these caves are under the observation of Archaeological survey of India, so that they can find out more and more exciting facts about the same.
- As per our knowledge, the Portuguese in the 17th century, used most of the sculptures inside the caves as target practice, which defaced these sculptures. Then in the 1970s, the temples were revived and conserved, and the island became a popular well- liked tourist site.
- Every february an amazing dance festival is held at the Elephanta Island, hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
- If you are all excited to visit the Elephanta Caves, you should know this- it is open for public viewing from 9 am to 5 pm on all days of the week, except on Monday.
- Cave one is the most impressive as mentioned above, Cave 2 to 4 on the Cannon Hill have the smaller and mostly ruined works of art,Cave 5, which is the unfinished cave, Caves 6 and 7 on Stupa Hill, reflect the Buddhist elements and a ruined Buddhist Stupa as well. All of these are well-known for their own unique beauty.
