Elephanta caves

Elephanta Caves The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave. Description is available under license Grottes d'Elephanta Sur une île de la mer d'Oman au large de Bombay, la « cité des grottes » constitue un ensemble rupestre typique du culte de Shiva où l'art de l'Inde a trouvé l'une de ses expressions les plus parfaites, notamment dans les gigantesques hauts-reliefs de la grotte principale. Description is available under license Пещерные храмы на острове Элефанта Этот «Город Пещер», расположенный на острове в Аравийском море близ Мумбаи (Бомбея), содержит целое собрание наскального искусства, посвященного культу бога Шивы. Здесь искусство Индии получило одно из своих наиболее совершенных выражений, особенно на огромном горельефе в главной пещере. source: UNESCO/ERI Description is available under license Grutas de Elefanta Situada en una isla del mar de Omán, frente a la costa de (antes, Bombay), la “ciudad de las grutas” es un conjunto monumental rupestre característico del culto a Siva. El arte indio ha logrado aquí una de sus expresiones más perfectas, sobre todo en los gigantescos altorrelieves que ornan la gruta principal. source: UNESCO/ERI Description is available under license Elephanta grotten Het eiland Elephanta (Gharapuri) – de Grottenstad – ligt op ongeveer 10...

Jump to Content • • • • • • • • • • • • A brief history of Elephanta Caves Why and when the caves were created, and by who is a mystery that makes Elephanta island a fascinating place to visit. I love that a visitor’s imagination can run wild and add a personal touch to the years and years of wonder and debate. The architecture, depictions, and inscriptions within the caves suggest that the cave temples were built in the mid-6 th century BC under the rule of King Krishnarraja. The Buddhist Stupas on the east hill can be tentatively dated to the 2 nd century BC. Elephanta Island has been controlled by many dynasties and kingdoms over the centuries. It was named Gharapuri (Village of Caves) by the Marathi people and that continues to be its local name. In colonial times the Portuguese invaded the island. The island was renamed ‘Elephanta’ by them as they were inspired by the massive elephant sculpture that once stood like a guardian over the sea. Portuguese soldiers have been accused of the wanton and willful destruction of the caves. Rumour and stories are rife that the ornate relief carvings were once used as target practice. In the 1970s, thankfully, the Indian Government decided to restore Elephanta Island. It was a fantastic decision that has allowed a great many locals and tourists to enjoy all the culture, history, and mystique Elephanta has to offer. What to see at the Elephanta Cave Temples The island is home to huge caves hewn out of basalt rock and decorated with ...

28 shares • Share • Tweet • Pin • LinkedIn The Elephanta caves near Mumbai are one of the popular places for a half-day trip from the millennium city. These rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta island are an interesting UNESCO world heritage site. During one of my Mumbai trip, I decided to explore Elephanta caves. I was staying in Colaba so I reached the jetty at Gateway of India early morning. Elephanta caves are located 10 Kilometers from Gateway of India in Mumbai on the island of Gharapuri that is popularly known as Elephanta Island. Most of the caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and a fine example of Indian sculpture art. It was a fun experience visiting the Elephanta caves. The journey to the caves by high sea was fun with seagull flying with the boat, it felt as they are chasing us. Elephanta caves are not as vast and intricate as Ajanta Ellora caves still they are unique in its way. It was pleasant in the morning when we went but it got muggy & hazy by the afternoon when we returned. We have to walk a lot to reach and explore the caves. It took us around 5 hours to visit Elephanta caves including travel time from Gateway of India. Here is everything you need to know about the Elephanta caves and island before planning a trip. Read more about How to reach Elephanta caves The Elephanta cave temples are situated on the Elephanta Island which is 10 km from the Gateway of India ferry point. Though the nearest mainland jetty is JNPT Mumbai which is a commercial cargo port s...

Tweet I strolled down the path, vaguely glancing at the market stalls on either side. My small bag hung on my back and I clutched my phone in one hand. With the other, I swung a plastic bottle of water loosely, half-full, by its neck. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. This will not affect your price. Spotting a monkey sitting on a low wall next to the path, it intrigued me to see that he seemed to notice me back. This may or may not have been the guilty party. Pausing as I neared the monkey, I contemplated my chances of getting a good photo. The monkey, when I stopped, jumped down onto the path in front of me. I took this to mean that he meant to cross to the greenery on the other side, but watched him carefully anyway. When he turned to walk straight toward me, I tensed. “Can monkeys carry rabies?” flashed through my mind. Nearing me, the monkey suddenly reached out with both hands, grabbed the water bottle dangling from my fingers and gave a surprisingly strong tug. I tried to hang on, but didn’t have a good grip when the monkey yanked again. Scampering away with the spoils, the monkey expertly gave the lid a twist to unscrew it, chugged several swallows of the water, then dropped the bottle, jumping back to his place on the wall. The stairway path where this happened. Surprised, I rather ridiculously shouted, “Hey, that’s mine!” As soon as the words left my mouth, I real...

Elephanta Island near Mumbai, Elephanta Island features a spectacular dance event hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Department (MTDC) every February. Things You Need To Know Before You Visit: • The island about which Elephanta Caves located sited was formerly named Gharapuri. The Portuguese christened it Elephanta, as they obtained a big stone elephant nearby their landing point. • Many seven-cave excavations, going back to 6th-7th century A.D., constitute part of the Elephanta Cave complex. • Elephanta Caves are considered to date back to the period of the Silhara Kings. • Some traditions say that the great warrior Prince of the Chalukya Dynasty – Pulkesin ll erected the Lord Shiva temple to commemorate his victory. • The rock-cut temple complex encompasses an area of 60,000 sq ft (5,600 m2), including a central chamber, two lateral rooms, courtyards, and smaller shrines. • Elephanta Caves are formed from solid rock. History of Elephanta Caves: The Elephanta Caves may be found on the island of Elephanta, a mere ten kilometers from the The five Hindu & two Buddhist caverns, collectively known as the Elephanta Caves, were erected between the 5th and 8th centuries C.E. They have remained standing through centuries of occupation, invasion, and neglect to attract millions of visitors to Mumbai today. How to Plan Elephanta Caves: • Consider boat schedules while planning your journey. • Only certified guides are allowed to provide tours of the Elephanta Caves. • Store food in yo...