E
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Elephanta Caves
Also known as: Gharapurichi Leni
Elephanta Island (Gharapuri), Maharashtra
6th - 7th Century CE
Located on an island in Mumbai Harbour, the Elephanta Caves contain a spectacular network of rock-cut temples dedicated to Shiva. The main attraction is the 6-meter-tall Trimurti (three-headed Shiva) sculpture showing Shiva as creator, preserver, and destroyer -- widely regarded as one of the finest sculptures in India.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Kalachuri
- Style
- Rock-cut
- Primary Deity
- Shiva (Maheshmurti / Trimurti)
- Languages
- Marathi, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Devanagari, Sanskrit
Historical Significance
Contains the iconic 6-meter Trimurti sculpture of Shiva. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. One of the most powerful religious sculptures ever created. Important example of rock-cut Shaiva temple architecture
Architectural Features
Trimurti (three-headed Shiva) - 6 meters tallArdhanarishvara panel (half-male, half-female Shiva)Shiva-Parvati wedding panelGangadhara panel (Shiva receiving Ganga)Nataraja panel (Shiva's cosmic dance)