The main cave, also called the Shiva cave, Cave 1, or the Great Cave at Elephanta is the most impressive structure on the island. Built anytime between 6th and 7th century, the cave is a sculptural marvel evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture.
It was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese invaded the cave in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was restored in the 1970s, but the damage done was too much. In the year 1987 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively. The central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row. The roof of the hall has concealed beams supported by stone columns joined together by capitals.
In the center of northern wall is the gigantic figure of Shiva as Mahesha, the Supreme God combining in himself the qualities of creator, preserver and destroyer.
Each wall of the complex has large carvings of Shiva, each more than 16 ft in height. One such panel is Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti. The carving which is 13 ft wide and 17 ft high is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati. In this image Shiva has the River Ganges as she descends from heaven.
The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. The most of the sculptures here are very huge some are as high as 5 meters tall. The central figure here is that of Ardhanarishvara where sculpture's left is female and the right is male.
It was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese invaded the cave in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was restored in the 1970s, but the damage done was too much. In the year 1987 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively. The central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row. The roof of the hall has concealed beams supported by stone columns joined together by capitals.
In the center of northern wall is the gigantic figure of Shiva as Mahesha, the Supreme God combining in himself the qualities of creator, preserver and destroyer.
Each wall of the complex has large carvings of Shiva, each more than 16 ft in height. One such panel is Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti. The carving which is 13 ft wide and 17 ft high is an ensemble of divinities assembled around the central figures of Shiva and Parvati. In this image Shiva has the River Ganges as she descends from heaven.
The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. The most of the sculptures here are very huge some are as high as 5 meters tall. The central figure here is that of Ardhanarishvara where sculpture's left is female and the right is male.
What an amazing place to visit. The cave and the carved statues are fantastic. Great photos, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place, and it looks very busy and full of life.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I learn so much from your posts and your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteIt really is quite magnificent. I can see why it became a World Heritage Site.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are excellent too. They give a real feel of the location. Thanks for sharing them.
Have a good week.
Nice pictures and well narrated post.
ReplyDeleteI have visited Ellora.. But not this and Ajantha.
ReplyDeleteThese Nice shots help me visit Elephanta virtually..!
Nice captures!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing cave. I can't even begin to imagine how they did that incredible carving with the tools available to then then. I find your photos quite fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAmazing sculptures!
ReplyDeleteAmazing stone sculptures at Elephants !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful statues !
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing place and superb captures as always, Rajesh!! Fascinating!! Thanks as always for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting site and you got some good shots.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured!
ReplyDeleteHow sad there was so much damage done to the shrine! I am glad it is being protected and looked after now. It's a lovely place. I am always fascinated by places such as this that are carved out of pure stone!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing structure! It must have taken much effort to excavate and build inside a cave like this.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteFabulous rock-cut temple, love it! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteSuch elaborate carvings at this cave. Must be so interesting to walk into it...
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ReplyDeleteI wish I had your knowledge of architecture and religion.
ReplyDeleteyour photos are excellent.
Have a great week.
wil, ABCW Team.
My goodness, it's massive!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
the pillars look very sturdy, well made.
ReplyDeleteMy ABC WEDNESDAY
Exquisite is he word for those carvings for sure. What a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive! I'm glad that it was designated a World Heritage Site. Be a shame for the world not to see this.
ReplyDeleteTake 25 to Hollister
Beautiful place. And the carvings are so detailed. It's a wonderful thing to know this place is well looked after.
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful pictures have me hoping even more that I will day have the opportunity to visit India.
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy your presentations....wonderful photos and info♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/eastward-ho/
ReplyDeleteSuper pictures,i visited ajanta and ellora but not this one
ReplyDeleteInteresting details,loved to see the pics.
ReplyDeleteNice Shots.Very sad to know that this cave suffered severe damage.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Great series of pictures of ancient place.
ReplyDeleteYour post and pics made me nostalgic, had visited the caves way back in the 90s.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful article. Actually, apart from the caves, there's a cannon hill. Which still has two cannons and a powder magazine, which were installed during Portuguese era, I. E. I around 1600. Also the lovely village nested between the mountains.
ReplyDeleteElephanta is indeed a beauty!
Nice details and pictures... :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured the magnificence :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs :)
ReplyDelete