Travel to elephanta caves mumbai

The magnificent Elephanta Caves showcase a long artistic tradition revealing ancient Hindu art.  A combination of artistic grace and sculptural art and replete with respondent Rasas, Elephanta Caves exhibit how rich Indian culture is. Hindu spiritualist beliefs and symbology are exceptionally applied in the overall planning of the caves. Elephanta Caves east wing shrine has carvings on Kartikeya, Matrikas, Ganesha and Dvarapala upon its surface, while the west wing has Yogishvara and Nataraja beautifying its walls. The loveliest is the back wall, detailing the three-headed Maheshmurti Shiva. Conclusion of all knowledge, the three heads represent creation, protection and destruction. Curious travellers follow a dirt path to the right of the entrance to the caves, climb the unmaintained and crumbling stairway up the hill, then following the dirt path from there, they eventually reach a British-era gun emplacement in an open circle in the woods. Here this exceedingly large gun – some sort of cannon dates to the turn of the 20thcentury. Layout of these caves, including the pillar components, the placement and division of the caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of sarvatobhadra plan are important developments in rock-cut architecture. Chiefly famed among the caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. Surprisingly this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India. Measuring the main body of the cave, excluding the porticos on the three open sides and the back aisle, is 27 metres square and is supported by rows of six columns each. The temple was initially built with the motive for the worship of Lord Shiva and 'Shivaism'. However, it is believed that the Portuguese destroyed many structures and even used the idols of Hindu Gods within the caves for target practice. Today, the site is a popular tourist hot-spot. Book a gateway to elephanta caves with Bestway2India and channel the inner history buff in you.