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Elephanta Caves, Mumbai Overview
Elephanta Caves is a Unesco World Heritage site and is one of the most prominent rock-cut caves belonging to medieval India. Located on Gharapuri Islands, also known as Elephanta islands, these caves are situated at a distance of about 11 km from the main city of Mumbai. These caves, locally known as Gharapurichi Leni, were once an elaborate set of well-painted rock-cut cave complex which dates back to the 5th and 7th centuries and most of them are devoted to Lord Shiva. From here you can also get a glimpse of the skyline of Mumbai. The cave is well connected via ferry services from Gateway of India.
The cave complex has two sections, one dedicated to five Hindu caves and other constitutes of two Buddhist caves. There are beautiful stone cultures of Lord Shiva in the Hindu caves which signify the dominance of Shaiva Hindu sect during its construction period. The sculptures and carvings here are a perfect illustration of medieval art and comprises of various manifestations such as three-headed Shiva or ‘Trimurti’, ‘Ardhnareshwar’ or the unification of Shiva and Parvati in one body and ‘Gangadhar’, which symbolizes the descent of river Ganga to earth from heaven. In addition to its rich cultural and religious heritage, Elephanta Caves is also a popular trekking destination.
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History of Elephanta Caves
There is no valid source that elucidates the time during which Elephanta Caves were built. However, there has been a lot of speculations and inferences made by historians regarding its construction period. As per one legend, these caves were constructed by Pandavas, while a few others give its construction credit to Banasura who was a demon and a worshipper of Lord Shiva.
Few of the historians infer that these caves were built around 5th and 8th century AD, however, an excavation of a 4th century Kshatrapa coins has falsified this claim made by the historians to some extent. Few of the sources state that these caves were built during the rule of the Mauryan Empire and was known as Purika or Puri. The records that highlight the defeat of Mauryan rulers by Badami Chalukyas emperor, Pulakesi II, also validate this point about the caves.
Few portions of the caves are also dedicated to Pashupata Shaivism sect, which is Kalachuris sect to which Mauryan rulers of Konkan belonged to. Therefore, some historians claim that these caves were constructed by Kalachuris who were somehow related to the Mauryan rulers. In addition to these claims, it is also believed that Rashtrakutas and the Chalukyas also contributed to the construction of these splendid caves.
After the fall of Chalukya Dynasty, Elephanta Caves came under the control of a Sultanate belonging to Gujarat, and in later years it was surrendered to Portuguese. In 1534, the Portuguese changed the name of the caves and named it as ‘Elephanta Caves’, because of a large elephant statue positioned near the island. Under the Portuguese rule, the caves were not well maintained; however, when the Britishers took control of the caves in 1661, major attention was paid to its maintenance. Massive restoration work was conducted in 1970 and during 1987, the Elephanta Caves was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and simultaneously became a popular tourist destination.
Architecture
Occupying an area of about 60,000 sq. feet, Elephanta Caves complex comprises of seven distinct caves. The central cave is dedicated to Hindu God, Shiva and constitute of beautifully carved pillared mandap or shrine, an alley and an open courtyard. The intricate carvings on the walls of the caves represent the figurines of several deities. The central cave also has a sculpture of Ravana lifting Mount Kailash, three-headed Shiva or ‘Trimurti’, ‘Ardhnareshwar’ or the unification of Shiva and Parvati in one body and ‘Gangadhar’, which symbolizes the descent of river Ganga to earth. Additionally, the walls also depict a scene from the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, Nataraja or a depiction of Shiva performing the Taandav, Andhaka being out to death by Lord Shiva, and Yogishvara.
As you proceed to the east side of the Elephanta Caves, you will notice beautiful carvings of Matrikas, Kartikeya, Dvarapala and Ganesha on the walls. The west side walls of the caves are embellished with figurines of Nataraja and Yogishvara.
Best Time To Visit Elephanta Caves
The most suitable time to visit Elephanta caves with your family or friends is during the winter months, ie., between November to February. You should avoid travelling to the caves during the monsoon season as the ferry services get disrupted by the ferocious waves in the sea. Visit the caves in the morning hours of the day in order to make your trip pleasant and enjoyable.
How to Reach Elephanta Caves?
Situated amidst the blue waters of the Arabian Sea on an untouched island, the Elephanta Caves can be reached only by ferry ride from the Gateway of India. In order to reach Gateway of India, you will have to catch a Mumbai local train heading to Churchgate or CST station. From there, you can either walk to Gateway of India or hire a cab. You can even reach Gateway of India by a local bus.
From this point, the first boat to Elephanta Caves leaves at sharp 9 am while the last one leaves at 2 pm. The boat ride will cost you around ₹130 to ₹150, depending on the type of ride you avail of. The short boat ride is pleasant and amusing, especially for the children. You should carry snacks to much on while the journey.
