Elephanta Caves

UNESCO has named Elephanta Caves a World Heritage Site. They are a great example of art and buildings cut into rocks in ancient India. Elephanta or Gharapuri Island, located 11 km from Mumbai, houses the discovered caves.

Locals call the Elephanta Caves "Gharapurichi Leni.” These caves preserve the remains of highly detailed paintings. They are also one of the places to visit in Mumbai and offer a great view of the city.

Historical and Mythological Significance

Elephanta Caves' history is based on theories and postulations, not firm proofs. Some say Pandavas created the Caves, while others say Banasura, Shiva's demon devotee, did. Local legend claims that humans did not make the caverns.

The Caves are believed to date to the late 5th–8th century AD; however, 4th-century AD Kshatrapa coins have been found here. Pulakesi II defeated the Mauryans of Konkan, and records exist. The Konkan Mauryas' capital was Elephanta, which they thereafter called Puri or Purika. Because of this, some historians think they created the caverns during their rule.

Elephanta Caves Architecture and Sculptures

The Elephanta caverns measure 60,000 square feet and have seven caverns. Under Portuguese administration, the main cave was a Hindu temple. A pillared mandapa, open porticoes, and aisle. Several deities figure on the stone walls.

The main cave has statues of Ravana lifting Kailash Mountain, Shiva-Parvati on Kailash, Ardhanarishvara, Trimurti, Gangadhara, Shiva's wedding, Shiva slaying Andhaka, Nataraja, or the Taandav, Yogishvara, and the Shiva Linga. The Elephanta Caves' east wing temple features Kartikeya, Matrikas, Ganesha, and Dvarapala sculptures, while the west wing has Yogishvara and Nataraja.

Main Attractions inside the Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves have two alcove groups: a big group of five Hindu caves and a smaller set of two Buddhist caves. Stone Shaiva statues are in the Hindu caves. Sculptures in the caves include 'Trimurti' or three-headed Shiva, 'Gangadhar,' which depicts the Ganga as she descends to the earth, and 'Ardhnareshwar,' which depicts Shiva and Parvati in one body. The Caves are a historic monument and an unusual hiking destination.

Best Time to Visit and Tips

The caves are at their best in the winter, from November to February. Don't go during the monsoon season, from June to August, because the sea is rough and boat plans get messed up. It's best to visit this place in the morning, as many Mumbai tour packages include it in their itinerary.