Read through this post and you will get acquainted with a little bit of some Hindu religion. For starters, you need to know that the destination I’ll be blogging about is the Island of Elephanta in India, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The Island epitomizes the Hindu Cave Culture and consists of 7 caves.
Read through this post and you will get acquainted with a little bit of some Hindu religion. For starters, you need to know that the destination I’ll be blogging about is the Island of Elephanta in India, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The Island epitomizes the Hindu Cave Culture and consists of 7 caves. The island is located in the Sea of Oman, near enough to Mumbai. The caves contain decorated temple and within the temples you will find a series of images that depict Hindu Mythology. Here, Hindu art is at its best.
Experts do not seem to agree on the date when the Elephanta Caves started to exist, but they are in agreement that it is sometime in the 6th to 8th century. The caves are home to some of the most enchanting rock art in India. The caves are divided into two major groups.
- Stupa Hill – This contains two caves, one of which is unfinished. The group of caves also features several Cisterns. It is located to the east side of the island
- The Western Caves – This contains 5 rock cut Hindu Shrines. Of these, the main cave is distinct from others as it contains the famous carvings that were carved to glorify Shiva. The cave is home to a square plan Mandapa (Hall) that measures 27n meters on all its sides.
You will certainly want to get inside the main cave. It is divided into smaller areas. In fact, the whole building imitates a building. It features false beams that have been carved into the roof of the cave, complex structures that combine the top and the bottom of the cave as well as shapes of pillars and columns that depict a bonded stone structure.
To the entrance of this Shivaism High Place, you will find 2 carvings with the one on the left depicting Shiva Yogisvara the master of Yoga and the one on the right depicting Shiva Nataraja the King of Dance. Further on to the right, you will find a chapel whose entrance features the cylindrical lingam that depicts the Supreme Being and the principle of all energy.
That’s it…no more details. Whatever you do with this knowledge is up to you. However, I would advise you to create a room for this destination in your tight Indian tour itinerary – you won’t regret the decision.