Elephanta Caves

    The Elephanta Caves recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the Elephanta Island. This is a series of rock-cut caves approximately 10 km towards the eat of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbor. This is constructed back in the 5th and 8th centuries as a testament to India’s rich culture and religious history. This place was originally named ‘Gharapuri’ meaning the city of caves and was later renamed as Elephanata caves by the Portuguese colonizers. These rock-cut sculptures and reliefs were dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva by his devotees. The complex consists of two groups of caves namely - Hindu and Buddhist caves among which the most famous cave is CAVE 1 or the GREAT CAVE. This cave represents the 20-foot tall three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva called as ‘Trimurti” symbolizing the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. And there are other idols and carvings of Lord Shiva which depict various aspects of Shiva, including the cosmic dance statute and marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

On reaching the elephnata Caves visitors have to take an hour's drive from the Gateway of India. The island is so beautiful that provides the coastline of Mumbai. On arrival at this place, there are locals lined up serving snacks, and drinks and selling souvenirs before reaching the cave complex. Despite these at present dates this place is exposed to environmental degradation by nature as well as human activities. All the visitors need to note that no harm is directly or indirectly done to the sculptures and idols as these need to be preserved for centuries for our generation of people to know about the legends.