The Elephanta Caves are an assortment of cavern sanctuaries transcendently committed to the Hindu god Shiva. The Caves contain rock-cut stone figures, generally of high help, that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist thoughts and iconography. Elephanta Cave architecture and surrounding forests as World Heritage Sites in 1987. it remains an important cultural and historical landmark in India and attracts thousands of tourists annually.
In this article, we shall discuss the Elephanta Caves of Mumbai, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Its History, Structure, Architectural style, Significance, and more!
Credits: Mumbai Live
Structure of elephanta caves
The construction of these caverns shows the ideal mixing of Dravidian and Nagara styles of Hindu architecture. This mix makes it one among a couple of sanctuaries with two distinct styles of sanctuary buildings existing next to each other.
It was at first called Gharapuri, however, later it turned out to be prevalently known as ‘Elephanta.’ The world legacy site is committed to Lord Shiva and enters with rock-cut designs and sculptures dating hundreds of years back.
History of elephanta caves
The Elephanta are arranged in Mumbai Harbor, off the bank of Mumbai. The island was known by three unique names during old times. It was called Gharapuri or Gharapur Island, and that implies the City of Caves, Sonapuri, and Alpaca. The old Indians accepted Shiva laid out his lingam at this site and made another time – the ‘Shanivar period.’
Two groups dealt with Elephanta collapsed its long history during the fifth 100 years and one more before the fifteenth hundred years. Its majority is credited to the previous group as they have seen more evidence for their work than others.
Significance of elephanta caves
Elephanta Caves hold their importance because of The Shaivite gathering of caverns − While there are numerous instances of Buddhist Caves in India, Elephanta Cave stands as a special and significant model as it is impacted by Shaiva customs and folklore in the Shiva Purana.
The caves reflect an ancient Indian culture, art, and architecture and are believed to have been used as a center for worshipping the Hindu god Shiva. The different panels and iconographic depictions highlight these caves as an aesthetic beauty.
Architecture
The Caves are a gathering of rock-slice sanctuaries that were unearthed to uncover five unique sanctuaries committed to Lord Shiva that can be found at this site alongside different gods like Ganesha Vishnu, Surya, Ravana, and Durga.
They likewise have pictures engraved on these walls portraying scenes from Indian folklore, intently looking like those found in cave works of art from Ajanta and Ellora. The Statues found in the cavern include:
Goddess mother earth
The model is from the Gupta time frame from the fifth century AD. This sculpture shows a goddess who is situated on an elephant. She has four arms, and two of her hands are broken. Sun and moon images at her headstand for time and passing, separately, goddesses, and evil spirits. Of the three caverns cut out from enormous basalt rock, there is likewise a sanctum committed to Lord Ganesha.
The siva nataraja
This sculpture addresses Lord Shiva as the infinite artist of creation and obliteration.
Horse-shaped capital from Aihole
Chalukya ruler Mangalesha made this point of support capital from AD 543 to 568 AD. It looks like a pony’s head with a sharp bill-molded structure beneath it. This design has been utilized as a help to tie ponies.
Conclusion
The Elephanta Caves are arranged on a little island off the shoreline of Western India. They are home to different old archeological remains that demonstrate the veracity of the country’s rich social history.
Credits: MM Travel Guide English