Description : The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta island in Oman Sea just 9 kms away from Mumbai. For Elephanta Caves you have to take boat ride from Gateway of India, Mumbai. Rock-cut temples are the principle attraction of Elephanta Caves. Believed to be carved out between the years 450 A.D and 750 A.D, the Elephanta Caves have carvings depicting Lord Shiva, his marriage to Parvati, the killing of Andhakasura and the six-metre-high triple-headed Trimurti etc.
The Elephanta Caves lie 7 km from the shore of the mainland. This island is named after a colossal elephant, 'Gharapuri', found in the island. You will find there seven cave extensions which are datable from approximately 6th - 7th centuries A.D.
The Elephanta Caves are located on the Elephanta Island in the Mumbai harbour. The caves, hewn from solid rock and containing beautiful reliefs, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu god Œiva, are thought to date back to the Silhara kings of the 9th through 13th centuries (810–1260).
Elephanta anciently known as Gharapuri, the island capital of Konkan Mauryas, is celebrated for its colossal image of Mahesa-murti with three heads each representing a different form.
in fact, there are seven caves out of which the most important is the Mahesa-murti cave. The main body of the cave, excludin-g the porticos on the three open sides and the back isle, is 27 metres square and is supported by rows of six columns each. The gigantic figures of dvarapalas or doorkeepers here are very impressive.
There are sculptured compartments in this cave with remarkable images of ardhanarisvara, Kalyana-sundara Siva, Ravana lifting Kailasa, Andhakari-murti (slaying of Andhaka demon) and Nataraja Siva.
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