Elephanta Island Favorites

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Favorite thing: The most important sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti, carved in relief at the back of the cave facing the entrance, described as a "masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art. It is also known as Trimurti Sadashiva and Maheshmurti. The image, 6.1 m in height, depicts a three-headed Shiva are said to represent three essential aspects of him — creation, protection, and destruction.

The right half-face shows him as a young person embodying life and vitality. This face is closest to that of Brahma, the creator or Uma or Vamadeva, the feminine side of Shiva and creator of joy and beauty. The left half-face is that of a moustached young man, displaying anger. This is Shiva as the terrifying Bhairava, the one whose anger can engulf the entire world in flames. This is also known as Rudra-Shiva, the Destroyer. The central face, benign and meditative, resembles the preserver Vishnu. This is "master of positive and negative principles of existence and preserver of their harmony" or Shiva as the yogi Yogeshwar in deep meditation praying for the preservation of humanity.

The Trimurti sculpture along with the Gateway of India in the background, has been adopted as the logo of the Maharashtra Tourism Department (MTDC).

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Favorite thing: SThere is a 17 m wide courtyard that is accessible by entering the eastern part of the main cave. A temple on the southern wall of the court depicts a well-preserved fresco. The circular pedestal seen in the courtyard in front of the Shiva's shrine near the east end, in the open area, is said to be the seat of Nandi, Shiva's mount.

On each side of the steps leading to the temple-cave portico is a winged tiger or leogriff, each seated with a raised forepaws. The portico has chambers at each end and a Linga-shrine at the back. At the back of the portico, near the east end, is a gigantic statue of a four-armed doorkeeper with two attendant demons. The west wall depicts the Ashta-Matrikas, flanked by Kartikeya and Ganesha, the sons of Shiva.

Favorite thing: The west wing, entered through the main cave, is in a semi-ruined state. It has a small chapel and a cistern enclosed within the pillared cave, which is believed to be Buddhist.

Entering through the back door of the portico is a cave enshrined with a multifaceted Shiva Linga erected over roughly hewn salunkhs.

Favorite thing: The Main Cave shrine is a free-standing square cell made of stone, with entrances on each of its sides. Each door is flanked by two gate keepers (dwarapalas). The Linga, the symbol of Shiva in union with the Yoni, the symbol of Parvati together symbolize the supreme unity that is defined by the shrine. The Linga is set on a raised platform above the floor of the shrine. All images are in a damaged condition except those at the southern door to the shrine.

Favorite thing: The Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti, is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati, the former bearing river Ganges as she descends from the heaven. From the crown, a cup with a triple-headed female figure, representing the three sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati, is depicted.

There are many divinities and attendant females at the back. The whole setting is under the sky and cloud scenes, with men and women, all dressed, are shown showering flowers on the them.

Favorite thing: Beside Shiva Slaying Andhaka on the south wall Panel depicting the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati with Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and other divinities in attendance.The niche image carved is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati shown getting married.

Parvati is seen standing to Shiva's right, the ordained place for a Hindu bride at the wedding. Other male and female attendants are seen as witness to the marriage ceremony showering flowers on the divine couple.

Favorite thing: The engraved panel in considered to be a unique sculpture in the north end of the main cave, which shows Bhairava, a frightful form of Shiva. His facial expression is of intense anger discerned from his furrowed brow, swollen eyes, and tusks.

The smaller broken image Andhaka is seen below Bhairava's image. It is interpreted that Shiva is spearing him with the front right hand, as conjectured by the spear seen hanging with out any hold.

Favorite thing: Although the hiking to the Elephanta Caves is not a difficult one but the steps are steeper at parts and the weather is hot and humid throughout the year would make it tiring.

If you take the Canon path from Caves that trail is steep and exhausting. Best to carry good amount of water with you to energize. Monkeys are also not interested in snatching water bottles. On the way there are few drinks stalls selling water, soft drinks, lemon water & tea.