Finally the wait is over. This is one place I wanted to be since childhood.
It was too hot, when we were in boat to the Elephanta Caves which is 11 kms northwest of Apollo Bunder the departure point for ferries, near Gateway of India. About 1050 hectors, 173 meters above sea level, with a cost line of 7 kms, it consists of two hillocks separated by a narrow valley with three small villages viz. Raj Bunder, Shet Bunder and Mora Bunder with roughly around 1600 inhabitants.
Not sure, when this first came into existence, there are various schools of thoughts about it. It is believed to be build in between 5th and 7th Century AD - around the times of Pallava, Chalukyas and Harshas. This was earlier known as 'Sripuri' and 'Gharapuri' as well.
It is believed that different dynasties held their sway over this island such as the Mauryas of Konkan, Trikutakas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Devagiri and later by the Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad, the Maratha, the Portugues and the British. There was a Clossal stone Elephant there from which the Island received its name.
At the entrance of the first Cave. Here in the sculptors you can see the three aspects of Shiva - - that of creation, preservation and destruction - combined. The Mahesh Murthi represents Mahadeva, with Aghora or Bhairava on the left side and Vamadeva or Uma on the right, and the fourth face which is not visible is said to represent Sadyajata or Nandin. The main cave at the Elephanta is a large excavation, supported by rows of massive pillars which rest on the square base and have fluted shafts with bulging cushion capitals. It faces north, with two porches to the East and West of it. Unfortunately, there has been lot of damages done to the sculptures. You will find Mahayogi Shiva, Natraj Shiva,
Then we have Gangadhar- shiva, Ardhanarishwar Shiva , Vishnu riding Garuda. Then we have the Shiva Shrine with the Shiva Linga.
This is Kalyanasundara Murti, showing Shiva's marriage to Parvati.
From here we move to the West Court by a flight of stairs. On the North side is the figure of Shiva seated on a lotus resembling yogi, then there is Shiva performing the Thandava dance, the Ravananugraha Murti, Uma-Mahesha Murti where Shiva-Parvati is seen to be playing a game of dice.
On the East Court is the Shiva Shrine in the middle, the Dvarapala to the left, the four handed dvarapala to the right, Ganesha, Karthikeya, and mother Goddesses.
Beside these three main caves, there are other smaller or minor caves. Entry is restricted, only to be seen from far, because it was told, rocks fall inside and might cause damage.
One need to be careful while walking around, as damage can come in any form. Monkeys, took away, the bottle of cold drink that Neil was carrying.
The Cavers are a quarter mile off, you have to climb 120 steps to reach the caves temples. There are shops selling beautiful items along side, with sugarcane juice , food items etc. An Archaeological officer is available near the entrance to the cave. This monument is under the protected control of superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological survey of India, Mini Circle, Mumbai now. Coming under "World Heritage" list of the UNESCO due to the outstanding universal value representing a masterpiece of human creative genius and bear a unique and exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition.
Open on all days except Monday form 9 am to 5 pm there is a proposed new ropeway form Mumbai to the caves, which is expected to take you there in 15 minutes.
