Elephanta caves: 9 unknown facts about the Elephanta Caves.
Elephanta caves have a history of more than 3000 years or may be more than that. Elephanta caves are located in the Gharapuri island. This name means The City of Caves. But, now the location is more famously known as the Elephanta island. This name was given by the Portuguese invaders. When they landed on the island, they found a huge Elephant statue made of rock. Therefore, they named the island after the statue.
These caves are most Visited during Monsoon Season due to some Waterfall near by these caves. here we look at some historical facts about This Historical Place.
1 The Guarding Statue
The huge stone-made Elephant statue was believed to be the guarding entity of the island. It was also believed that the statue would punish a person if he tries to cause harm to the island. The statue was eventually shifted to the Victoria Garden Zoo where it is visited by the tourists till now.
2 The Construction
Experts and archaeologists suggest that the cave rooms were built between the period of 400 AD and 800 AD. These rooms are carved out of big stones made of basalt rock. There are several pillars and columns that work as supporting measures for this unique structure. Many experts say that Pulakesin II, the great Chalukya prince built these caves to celebrate his victory.
3 Huge Area
The Elephanta caves cover a huge area of land mass. The caves cover 60000 square feet. The whole complex consists of the main chamber, two laterally built chambers, several courtyards and adjoining shrines.
4 Mingling of Two Religions
Most of the caves are dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. But, there are a number of caves that represent Buddhist culture. We can also trace some sculptures that represent the combination of Hindu and Buddhist tradition.
5 Destroyed by the Portuguese, Yet Standing Strong
The Portuguese invaders, after their arrival in 1547, destroyed most of the amazing structures. They used most of the sculptures for their target practice purpose. The writings and the cravings were mostly removed by the invaders. Yet, these caves have a lot to offer. The amazing structure is still in existence and has been attracting people for centuries.
6 Trimurti Sadasiva
Trimurti Sadasiva is the most important and most amazing sculpture. This sculpture is 20 feet high. It is the image of a three-faced Lord Shiva. These caves are mainly dedicated to this dominant God of Hinduism. The Trimurti Sadasiva is a representation of the Panchamukha Shiva. The central figure is accompanied by the image of Gangadhara (the source of the Ganges) to its right and Ardhanarishwara to its left.
7 Diverse Depiction of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is not only depicted in the form of Trimurti Sadasiva, but the God is also depicted as Yogiswara and Shiva Nataraja. Yogiswara represents Lord Shiva sitting on a lotus flower as Lord of Yogis. The Shiva Nataraja sculpture represents Lord Shiva as the dominant cosmic dancer who has many arms.
8 Cave One
The Cave One of the Elephanta caves is regarded as the most attractive and impressive cave among the whole collection on the island. The cave is cut out using an evolved and developed Brahmanical architecture.
9 The World Heritage Site
The Elephanta caves were attributed the status of a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1987. It is currently under the observation of the Archaeological Survey of India. You can pay a visit to these amazing caves through the whole week (except Monday) from 9PM to 5PM.
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