Top 10 Amazing Facts about Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, India

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, India

This is a collection of Hindu cave temples that were dedicated to Lord Shiva and are located on the Elephanta islands in Mumbai Harbour, India. Elephanta island is made up of five Hindu caves and some Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The caves have stone sculptures that depict Buddhist and Hindu ideas and philosophy. However, most of the artwork found in the caves is damaged and others are destroyed.

Therefore, the caves attract a huge tourist following because of their archaeological importance. This article will look at ten amazing facts that are associated with the historic site and thus provide the reader with more knowledge about the place.

1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Elephanta Museum by UNESCO BY Chinmaya Panda-Wikimedia

In 1987, this exquisite site was titled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is attributed to the rich history the place has and thus made it earn its title. The architectural design found in the cave is another factor that allowed it to be recognised by UNESCO.

Furthermore, the integrity of the cave has been preserved in that the archaeological components located in the caves are preserved in their natural setting. This ensures the authenticity of the historic site and this makes it an ideal place to be a world heritage site

2. The island was previously known as Gharapuri Island

Elephanta Island where the caves are located was previously known as Gharapuri Island. However, its name was changed after it was discovered by the Portuguese who had ventured to the Arabian sea. The name Elephanta came to be because they stumbled into a large stone that was shaped like an elephant.

3. The temple complex covers 60,000 square feet

Elephant caves by Ranadheerreddy51-Wikimedia

The complex is characterized by two lateral enclosures, subsidiary shrines, and courtyards and the main enclosure occupies an area od 60, 000 square feet. The caves feature a series of sculptures that tell more about the Indian and Buddhist mythologies.

The coexistence of the two philosophies in one complex is critical in that it shows society that people with different belief systems can coexist. Among the tourists visiting the island are Hindus and Buddhists which shows that religious orientation should not bar people from interacting.

4. Legend says that the warrior prince of the Chalukya Dynasty built the temple

There is a legend among the people familiar with the Elephanta caves that suggest that the great warrior prince known as Pulakesin who hailed from Chalukya Dynasty built the Lord Shiva temple as a way to celebrate his grand win. However, the authenticity of this legend has not been confirmed.

The caves which are made of solid rock are unique creations which make them look historical and thus attract a lot of history enthusiasts.

5. There are seven cave excavations

Elephanta Island features seven cave temples. The two oldest temples are located on the eastern side of the island in a village called Mora close to the Buddhist stupa mounds. One of them is not finished. The rest were destroyed by the Portuguese.
It is believed that the Portuguese in the 17th century used the caves for target practice and in the process defaced the sculptures. The temple was restored and the island became a huge tourist destination spot.

6. The main sculpture is known as Trimurti Sadasiva

Trimurti at the Elephanta Caves by N.v.petkar–Wikimedia

The principal sculpture in the Elephanta Caves is one for Trimurti Sadasiva which is 20 feet and features a three-headed god that represents the five-headed Shiva. This big sculpture is flanked by Ardhanarisvara who is a representation of Shiva on the left side. On the right side, there is Gangadhara which represents River Ganges decent from Shiva’s hair. These sculptures are among the main attractions found in the Elephanta Caves in that people of the Hindu faith draw a lot of religious significance from the sculptures.

7. Brahmanical architecture is seen in cave 1

Elephanta Cave 1 by Rangan Datta Wiki-Wikimedia

This cave is the most notable among the caves found on the island and features beautiful Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. This type of architectural design was mainly used by Hindus to build temples, monasteries and statues just like the ones found on the island.

Additionally, Buddhists also use a variety of this architecture which explains how the Buddhist and Hindu temples bear similarities.

8. A dance festival is hosted at the caves every February

The Elephanta Festival is a famous celebration that attracts tourists to the island to celebrate the feast of dance and music. The festival is always held in February and usually lasts two days. This festival was started in 1989 and has been a major event since then.

Organised by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the festival seeks to promote tourism and culture in Mumbai. The festival is usually dedicated to various genres of music and dance to ensure that India’s heritage is well represented.

9. Lord Shiva’s depictions

The Elephanta Caves have different sculptures that depict Lord Shiva. For instance, Lord Shiva is depicted as Yogisvara in one of the sculptures which means lord of yogis. Another one is Lord Shiva depicted ad Shiva Nataraja who is a cosmic dancer with many arms. The sculptures show how the people of ancient Elephanta valued religion as they made many sculptures to depict how Lord Shiva can manifest.

10. It is being observed by the Archaeological Survey of India

A sign board at Elephanta Caves by Chinmaya Panda-Wikimedia

The historical site is under observation by the Archaeological Survey of India to determine if there are other features of the Elephanta Caves. This is critical in ensuring that all the aspects of medieval temples are discovered and the information analysed.