The Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are set in Western Asian country on Elephanta Island (otherwise illustrious as the Island of Gharapuri), which options 2 hillocks separated by a slim natural depression. The small island is dotted with varied ancient archeological remains that square measure the only real testimonies to its wealthy cultural past. These archaeological remains reveal proof of occupation from as early as the second century B.C.. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed regarding the mid-5th to sixth centuries AD. The most important among the caves is that the nice Cave one, which measures thirty-nine metres from the front entrance to the rear. In plan, this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India. The major part of the cave, excluding the porticos on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 metres sq. and is supported by rows of six columns every.

The 7-metre-high masterpiece “Sadashiva” dominates the gateway to Cave 1. The statue represents three aspects of Shiva: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer, identified, respectively, with Bhairava (left half), Taptapurusha or Mahadeva (central full face), and Vamadeva or Uma (right half). symbol of Nataraja, Yogishvara, Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara,Gangadharamurti, Kalyanasundaramurti, and Ravanaanugrahamurti are additionally noteworthy for his or her forms, dimensions,representations,alignment themes, content and execution.

The layout of the caves, including the pillar parts, the placement and division of the caves into different elements, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of sarvatobhadra plan, are necessary developments in rock-cut design. The Elephanta Caves emerged from a long artistic tradition, but demonstrateunique innovation. The mix of aesthetic beauty and sculptural art, replete with respondent Rasas, reached an apogee at the Elephanta Caves. Hinduclear-sighted beliefs and symbology square measure finely utilised in the overall designing of the caves.