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Maharashtra Elephanta Caves
Elephanta caves are located in Elephanta Island in Arabian Sea at a distance of 10 kilometers from Mumbai harbor. These caves are example of fine rock cut art and representation of Shaiva sector in the Hindu religion. Maximum of the caves are dedicated to lord Shiva. Historical background of these caves has been considered between 5th to 7th centuries. Though, the exact dates of the construction are not available. The caves are based on tough Basal rocks and all of them were painted at the time of construction but only remains of the painting are available. UNESCO gave the status of World Heritage to these caves in 1987. Journey to these caves starts from the Gateway of India harbor. Entire Island has a depth of 2.4 kilometers and 500 ft height. All the caves are constructed on two hills. One hill is called as Stupa hill. Government has also taken these caves seriously and in 1985 a gazette notification released showing this area is prohibited. Pandavs and Banasura, both are considered to the builders of the caves for living. But according to a local belief, these caves are made by divine powers not man. This area was under the ruling of Chalukya dynasty in later days and during their reign no remarkable changes have been made in these caves except general maintenance. These caves were later handed over in charge of area to the Portuguese by Gujarat Sultanate in 1534. Name of the area was given by the Dutch because of a huge rock cut elephant is found on the hills. During the Portuguese ruling, Hindu population slowly declined and the entry of Hindus were made banned for worshipping the Lord Shiva cave on this island. Later the area was handed over to the British Empire as a result of marriage treaty of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.
Architecture
These caves are rock cut and hence no special architectural effect is seen in every of the caves. Rough and tough cuttings have been made and a hollow structure completed with brilliance. Various pillars of these caves have been found demolished and resorted back in 1970s. At these caves there was a rock cut elephant was also but the same has now been shifted to Jijamata Udyan. These caves are constructed for worshipping Lord Shiva. Some of the caves have huge hall of the height of less than 12ft. Finishing of the roof of the halls and other caves has not been considered well as the rocks were only carved to make caves. Trimurti statues of rock cut art are one of the best carving made at this place. The famous cave of Ardhnareeshwara is the important and brilliantly made cave. The statue of Trimurti is of 13ft wide and 17 ft high displays the balanced and logical constructional ability of that period. In this image, Shiva with Parvathi of four hands is displayed. Two arms of Shiva have been broken. Wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva is also carved in these caves. More than 30% of these carving has now been damaged and not in restoring stage. During Portuguese reign, neglecting the caves has been resulted in broking of five arms out of eight arms as shown in the statue of Nagraja. A lot of small carvings have been made in these caves displaying various religious stories.
How to Reach
This place can only be finally visited through water ways only.
By Air
Last de-boarding point is the Mumbai International Airport. From where road conveyance is available upto Gateway of India and then a steamer to reach the caves.
By Rail
Last and nearest station is Mumbai. From CSTM one can reach Gateway of India through BEST buses or taxies.
By Road
Road to the Gateway of India is well developed. In Mumbai, roads are always in good condition being the economical capital of the country.
By Water
Steamers are available from Mumbai Harbor to reach Elephanta caves. This island is 10 kilometers inside the Arabian Sea. Return ticket is mandatory to purchase at starting station. Return journey can be done on any boat or steamer. Journey is very thrilling and experiencing. During Journey, Sea water changes two colors.
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