The Shiva temple can be entered from East as well as West. It has opening from three sides which lets the light in from many angles. This is the most unique and interesting feature of the temple. The sculptures seem to move with the changing angles of light.
Inside the temple there are 20 pillars inside to support the roof of the large hall. The hall has 9 sculptures of Lord Shiva depicting different moods and in the middle is preserved a Shivalingam. At the end of the north south axis of the hall there is a 20 ft high sculpture of lord Shiva. This idol of Shiva is also known as Trimurthy as it depicts 3 heads Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. There is also a five faced or Panchamukha Shiva carved on the northern entrance. To the west of the Northern entrance one can see the sculptures of Nataraja, Andhakaasuravadamoorthy and on the east are Yogiswara and Ravanaanugrahamurthy. The southern wall hosts rock curved images of Kalyanasundara, Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma Maheshwara. The rock cut works of the Elephanta caves shows very high quality architecture.
Apart from the Shiva Temple there are about seven caves here. The most important cave is the Mahesha Murti Cave. It’s supported by rows of 6 columns.
For the early rock cut architecture in the dark caves of the Elephanta Island, UNESCO designated the Elephanta caves as a World Heritage Site.
Getting there:
Elephanta caves could only be reached on boat that leaves from Gateway of India in every 30 min from 9 am. It’s a 1 and half hour journey. This service is closed during the monsoon from June to September. Best time to visit Elephanta caves is during the month of February when Maharashtra tourism organizes a classical music and dance festival.
