Elephanta

By pravinpratap2007

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Elephanta is an island about 10 km off the coast of Mumbai in the Arabian sea. Created by Chalukyan rulers and the Rashtrakutas, the island is famous for its caves and shrines. It has among its beautiful stone sculptures, carvings of Shiva as “Nataraja” and “Yogishwara”. The pillared incarnations along the back walls depict the three headed Maheshmurti portrayal of Shiva as the terrifying destroyer god.

The island, dating back the sixth century AD, was earlier known as Gharapuri –i.e,It was the Portuguese who re-named it as “Elephanta” after a huge sculpture of an elephant (which now stands at the Victoria gardens ). There are also sculptures of Shiva as Ardhanarishwara and as Gangadhar.

The cave has three entrance with a porch in front. The cave walls are embellished with huge panels of sculptures depicting the mythological exploits of Shiva.


Two types of motor launches (ferry boats) leave from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island every day except Mondays when the caves are closed. The luxury boat costs Rs110 and the semi luxury boat costs Rs100 per person for the return journey.
The Gateway Elephanta Jal-Vahatuk Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit (The Gateway Elephanta Motor Launch Cooperative Society Limited) is the ticket issuing authority for all the boats and it is a fixed price for both categories of boats.




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