GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?

p=2024

GOPS CREATIVE ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY - CAPTURING THE SIMPLICITIES & COMPLEXITIES OF LIFE HOME ABOUT ME GALLERIES BLOGS BUY MY PHOTOS CONTACT

 Previous Post / Next Post 

OCT

28 in Indian architecture & Heritage / 6 comments / tags: architecture, blog, buddha, buddhism, buddhist, caves, cut, elephanta, ellora, ferry,
gateway, gharapuri mural, gop.org, gopan, gopan g nair, gops, gops photography, heritage, hindu, hinduism, india, MUMBAI, of, photography, rock,
shiva, shrine, site, temple, Temples, tourism, unesco, WORLD

EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES

Artillery firing continued profusely for weeks and months without having a single enemy in the vicinity. In fact, the Portuguese
soldiers were firing cannon balls at the mighty rock sculptures in Elephanta caves for target practicing. A journey through the
timeline of explorations, invasions and colonization would reveal the bloodshed and destruction that accompanied every
successful event. Successors of those ruthless invaders who turned the treasures of a great country into heaps of rubble and
sand must feel ashamed of their forefathers’ deeds. While we boast about the rich culture and heritage of India, those
disturbing facts are often being ignored.

Gharapuri was the name of that ancient island kingdom situated near Mumbai harbour. Gharapuri literally means ‘City of Caves’ in
Marathi language. Traces of early inhabitation that dates back to 2nd century BC is still visible in this little island. For travelers
visiting Mumbai, it would be a quick escapade from the hustle and bustle of one of the largest cities in the world.

1 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

WAKING UP A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS. AT GATEWAY OF INDIA, MUMBAI

GATEWAY OF INDIA, AS SEEN FROM THE ARABIAN SEA. ELEPHANTA FERRY STARTS HERE

The island consists of two small hillocks on its east and west sides with a narrow ravine situated in the middle. Caves and
sculptures have been carved out of Basalt rock similar to that existed in Ajanta or Ellora caves.

Though the exact period of construction is not known, the architecture of the caves suggests the influence of Konkan Mauryas and
Badami Chalukyas of 6th and 7th centuries. It passed through the hands of several dynasties like Trikutakas, Rashtrakutas,
Yadavas, Potuguese, Marathas and British. When the Portuguese occupied the island in 1534, there was a large Elephant statue
made out of solid basalt rock that greeted them at the entrance of the island. Hence, they named it the Elephanta island (“Ilha Do
Elefante”). Interestingly, there is a mention of Elephanta in one of the manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci. The island measures
around 10 SqKm to 16 SqKm during high and low tides respectively and situated approximately 11 Km east of the Gateway of
India at Mumbai.

THE MAGNIFICENT TRIMURTI STATUE AT SHIVA TEMPLE (CAVE-1) OF ELEPHANTA

The Portuguese once decided to carry the elephant statue home, but during the lifting process their chains broke and the statue
got dropped into the sea.

In 1661, Portugal’s King John IV’s daughter Catherine was married to Charles II of England and as part of the marriage treaty,
Elephanta island was handed over to the British as dowry. This marked the end of Portuguese ownership of the island. The
elephant statue collapsed completely in 1814 and fifty years later the British shifted the dilapidated elephant statue to the shore
(1864), fully restored it and preserved it at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum at Jijamata Udyan in Mumbai till date.

There are 5 Hindu Caves and 2 Buddhist Caves in Elephanta island. Cave-1 is the largest and most prominent one which was once
a Shiva Temple. Carved out of solid basalt rock, this magnificent monument still survives nature’s fury and man’s cruelty.

2 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

SEAGULLS ACCOMPANYING THE BOAT DURING THE TRIP

Elephanta is open throughout the week, except on Mondays. A boat trip to Elephanta could be an unforgettable experience for
many. Frequent ferry services are available from the Gateway of India, the first service starts at 9:00 AM and the last boat returns
back from the island at 5:00 PM. Though Economy and Deluxe round trip tickets are being sold at the counter, I did not see much
of a difference with the boats, because they are all old fishing boats, but with adequate safety measures and life jackets in them. It
costed me 180 Rs per head for a deluxe boat ticket, an additional 10 Rs for a seat on the upper deck.

The boat ride could take around an hour through the busy waters occupied by large container vessels and merchant ships. What
really fascinated me was the flock of seagulls that followed us all the way for a bite of snacks thrown out by the people. Though I
wouldn’t recommend junk food being served to those birds, their acrobatic skills to grab some food in mid-air was absolutely
stunning and an entertaining experience during the trip.

THE TOY TRAIN AT ELEPHANTA GETS A FACE LIFT

3 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

ENTRANCE OF CAVE-1 AT ELEPHANTA

Once you land at the jetty, there is a long narrow path by the side of the mangrove forest that leads you to the bottom of the hill.
A toy train is also an option for those who cannot walk that far. The steps passing up between the souvenir shops will take you to
the entry gates of the caves. Ticket for the entry to the caves costs 30 Rs. for Indians (and alliance partners) and 500 Rs. for other
country nationals. Entrance to Cave-1 comes first. You will be surprised to see that it is not just a cave, but a magnificent temple
complex with massive stone pillars supporting the roof that covers 60,000 SqFt area with a number of smaller Shiva shrines and
courtyards placed around it. All the walls are decorated with fine sculptures of Shiva in various poses which were once covered
with mural paintings as well. Once you walk in through the dark chamber and reach the south wall, the most magnificent wall
carving of Shiva in his Trimurti (Trinity) form adorns the centre portion.

The massive monolithic statue is 20Ft tall which depicts the three forms of Shiva as Creator, Protector and Destroyer. On the left
side of Trimurti statue is the Ardhanarishvara form (half male, half female) of Shiva and the carving on the right-side show
Gangadhara Shiva or the one supporting the descend of river Ganga from heaven. These are probably the masterpieces among the
whole lot. It is worth mentioning that many of these huge pillars have been destroyed my nature’s forces and also due to
vandalism, which were restored by the hard work of Indian archaeology department. A walk through the courtyard will lead you to
another Shiva Shrine guarded by Dwarapalakas which are in partly destroyed condition.

Descriptions about the individual statues have been mentioned alongside the pictures displayed here. Though there is nothing
much to fancy about the other caves, you could just go for a quick round about in less than 10-20 minutes. Two large British
Cannons could be still seen on top of the hill, being the reminiscence of the colonial past. Watch out for those naughty monkeys
who could snatch your food items.

LARGE HALL WITH MASSIVE PILLARS INSIDE CAVE-1 SHIVA TEMPLE

4 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

SHIVA KILLING ANDHAKA THE ASURA

SHIVA IN NATARAJA (DANCER) POSTURE

MEDITATING SHIVA

5 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

WEDDING OF SHIVA AND PARVATI

SHIVA AND PARVATI ON KAILASA PEAK

RAVANA SHAKING MOUNT KAILASA

6 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

A SHIVA SHRINE WITH BADLY DAMAGED DWARAPALAKAS

ANOTHER VIEW OF SHIVA SHRINE WITH BADLY DAMAGED DWARAPALAKAS

VIEW FROM RIGHT SIDE : SHIVA SUPPORTING THE DESCEND OF GANGA FROM HEAVEN

7 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

VIEW FROM LEFT : SHIVA IN THE ARDHANARISHVARA POSTURE (HALF MAN, HALF WOMAN)

SHIVA IN THE ARDHANARISHVARA POSTURE (HALF MAN, HALF WOMAN)

COURTYARD INSIDE THE TEMPLE COMPLEX

8 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

INSIDE THE SHIVA SHRINE WITH SEVERELY DAMAGED DWARAPALAKAS

INSIDE THE SHIVA SHRINE WITH SEVERELY DAMAGED DWARAPALAKAS

9 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

LARGE LINGA INSIDE THE SHIVA SHRINE

VIEWS FROM INSIDE THE SHIVA SHRINE

VIEWS FROM INSIDE THE SHIVA SHRINE

REMAINING HINDU CAVES IN SEQUENCE

10 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

REMAINING HINDU CAVES IN SEQUENCE

REMAINING HINDU CAVES IN SEQUENCE

REMAINING HINDU CAVES IN SEQUENCE

11 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

AN INCOMPLETE CAVE

Elephanta caves received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987. Main threats to these monuments are industrial pollution,
natural forces, water seepage and salt content in the atmosphere. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the help of UNESCO
are trying hard to preserve this magnificent monument for the future generations to get a glimpse of our glorious past.

LOCAL LADIES AT ELEPHANTA BIDDING GOOD-BYE

How to Reach Elephanta Caves :

12 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

 Nearest Airport : Mumbai

 By local train : Alight at CST (Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus) or Churchgate station
 By Bus or Taxi : Go to Gateway of India
Remaining part of journey to Elephanta island by Ferry/Boat Services
Distance between Gateway of India and Elephanta island : 10Km
Time required : 1 Hr

Share this:    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: GOPAN NAIR

Process Control Automation Engineer. Freelance Photographer and Graphic Designer

DEVOTION, DEEP INSIDE THE GREAT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE THOUGHT-PROVOKING FRAMES

JUNGLE : THIRUNELLI TEMPLE SERIES :: SOMANATHPURA
“THE SIGN OF ALLAH [ Arabic:
[caption id="attachment_1278" [caption id="attachment_789" ]”
align="aligncenter" align="aligncenter"
I often Read more
width="1024"]Read more  width="1024"]Read more 
in Wonders of Nature
in Indian architecture & Heritage, in Indian architecture & Heritage / 0
travel / 0 comments comments
 258  327

6 COMMENTS:

SARAH MILLET / JANUARY 24, 2018 / 

Your travel blogs are amazing. High quality pictures are breathtakingly beautiful too. Why don’t you think of publishing
these ? Looking forward to more and more articles.

GOPAN NAIR / JANUARY 24, 2018 / 

Never thought about publishing those. Perhaps I will try to put together a coffee table book. Please send in yo
postal address. I will pass you a copy.

DMITRY ULYANOV / FEBRUARY 02, 2018 / 

Я посетил пещеры после прочтения вашей статьи. Индия – великолепное место и любила просматривать ваши
страницы блога.

GOPAN NAIR / FEBRUARY 02, 2018 / 

спасибо

DMITRY ULYANOV / FEBRUARY 02, 2018 / 

Visited these caves after reading your travelogue. India is truly amazing and more and more Russians have started
traveling to India lately. Your blogs are very valuable. Great collection & all the best for future adventures.

GOPAN NAIR / FEBRUARY 02, 2018 / 

Thanks very much. Good to know that my writings helped.

LEAVE A COMMENT!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

13 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

Message...

Name *

Email *

URL

POST COMMENT

Search the site...

RECENT POSTS

 THE DUNG-BEETLE AND ITS

DIRTY JOB
 THOUGHT-PROVOKING FRAMES

 CHAND BAORI OF ABHANERI

(WORLD’S LARGEST STEP WELL)
 MOODS OF THE MONKEY
KINGDOM
 THE GREAT LIVING CHOLA
TEMPLES, PART 3 of 3 :
DARASURAM (தாரா�ர�)

ARCHIVES

 June 2018 (1)

 April 2018 (1)

 March 2018 (1)

 February 2018 (1)

 January 2018 (3)

 December 2017 (1)

 October 2017 (1)

 September 2017 (1)

 October 2016 (2)

 June 2016 (1)

 March 2016 (1)

 February 2016 (1)

 January 2016 (1)

 December 2015 (1)

 November 2015 (1)

 October 2015 (1)

 September 2015 (1)

 August 2015 (1)

 July 2015 (1)

 June 2015 (1)

 May 2015 (2)

 April 2015 (1)

 March 2015 (1)

 February 2015 (3)

 January 2015 (12)

FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK

14 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM
GOPS » EXQUISITE ELEPHANTA CAVES http://gops.org/?p=2024

GOPS Photogra…
Like Page

FIND ME ON TWITTER

Follow @gopsphotography

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

June 2018

M T W T F S S

1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
« Apr

2002~2017 GOPS Photography. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized or unlawful copying or downloading expressly prohibited.

15 of 15 06/13/2018 03:46 PM