THE Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent natural Elephanta caves,containing beautiful carvings,sculptures,and a temple to the Hindu God,Lord Shiva.The island of Elephanta has been a commercial ,military and religions center for centuries.It has also traces of early Buddhist culture.It takes an hour by boat,from Gateway of India, Mumbai to reach Elephanta.As one goes towards Elephanta,one passes the Mumbai harbour and the naval barges.
Legends: The Elephanta caves are thoughts to date back to the Silhara kings belongings to the period between 9th-12th centuries.Brahminical resurgence had started during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD.These great caves came into existence at Elephanta.Legends suggest that the kalchuri king Krishna Raja built these caves in 6th century AD.
Island: The island was the capital of the powerful coastal kingdom.Later the Portuguese took possession of the island.The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.It appears that the families of crafts men and sculptors,who worked on the Kailasa temple of Ellora,were also employed at Elephanta.After the Portuguese constructed a fort there.They hoisted their flag there toward off pirates.They used this fort and the sculpture for target practice and training,thereby damaging many sculptures.While they ruled the island the portuguese used the carvings of the Hindu gods for target practice this damaging them.However ,nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries.
The Origination: At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti,the celebrated trinity of Elephanta:Lord Brahma the creator,Lord Vishnu the preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer.In fact,the creation of an unknown genius,a master architect.Having thoroughly absorbed and assimilated the magnificent contribution of his predecessors in the dual traditions of the independent freestanding sculpture and rock-cut architecture.
Elephanta Caves and Temples: The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods.Opening out from three sides,the temple lets in light from many angles making the sculptures seem to move with the changing angles of light.Inside the temple is a large halls,with nine sculptured panels representing Lord Shiva in different moods.One can hire a chair to carry up,but today the caves can be easily approached .The artisan has tried to create the cave similar to the one in which Shiva resides in the Himalayas.The pillars inside the cave give an impression that these pillars support the roof.No doubt,these are complex temples hewn from rock.
Hindu Mythology : Elephanta is the place where the main events in the mythology of lord shiva,are depicted.At ellora though other gods appear on the panel with shiva in various forms.That is Hindu mythology.Three gods govern their world:BRAHMA-the creator,Vishnu-the preserver, Maheshwara -the destroyer. Here we find Lord shiva practicing Yoga, meditating with snakes coiled around his neck,and at places.On the western end is the sanctuary of lingam denoting the essence of creative power. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as the Lord of Fertility and Procreate
Legends: The Elephanta caves are thoughts to date back to the Silhara kings belongings to the period between 9th-12th centuries.Brahminical resurgence had started during the reign of Gupta dynasty in 3rd century AD.These great caves came into existence at Elephanta.Legends suggest that the kalchuri king Krishna Raja built these caves in 6th century AD.
Island: The island was the capital of the powerful coastal kingdom.Later the Portuguese took possession of the island.The Monasteries of Ajanta lead us directly to Elephanta.It appears that the families of crafts men and sculptors,who worked on the Kailasa temple of Ellora,were also employed at Elephanta.After the Portuguese constructed a fort there.They hoisted their flag there toward off pirates.They used this fort and the sculpture for target practice and training,thereby damaging many sculptures.While they ruled the island the portuguese used the carvings of the Hindu gods for target practice this damaging them.However ,nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries.
The Origination: At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti,the celebrated trinity of Elephanta:Lord Brahma the creator,Lord Vishnu the preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer.In fact,the creation of an unknown genius,a master architect.Having thoroughly absorbed and assimilated the magnificent contribution of his predecessors in the dual traditions of the independent freestanding sculpture and rock-cut architecture.
Elephanta Caves and Temples: The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods.Opening out from three sides,the temple lets in light from many angles making the sculptures seem to move with the changing angles of light.Inside the temple is a large halls,with nine sculptured panels representing Lord Shiva in different moods.One can hire a chair to carry up,but today the caves can be easily approached .The artisan has tried to create the cave similar to the one in which Shiva resides in the Himalayas.The pillars inside the cave give an impression that these pillars support the roof.No doubt,these are complex temples hewn from rock.
Hindu Mythology : Elephanta is the place where the main events in the mythology of lord shiva,are depicted.At ellora though other gods appear on the panel with shiva in various forms.That is Hindu mythology.Three gods govern their world:BRAHMA-the creator,Vishnu-the preserver, Maheshwara -the destroyer. Here we find Lord shiva practicing Yoga, meditating with snakes coiled around his neck,and at places.On the western end is the sanctuary of lingam denoting the essence of creative power. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as the Lord of Fertility and Procreate