Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

About Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves were built in the 6-8th century. The history of Elephanta Caves is also associated with the Portuguese. It is said to have been occupied by the Portuguese in about the 16th century, while the Portuguese built a giant elephant located at Rajghat here. Elephanta Caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Seeing the idols here, this island was named Elephanta.

Located about 11 km from Mumbai, the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra, these caves are famous all over India for their grand sculptures. Elephanta Caves are a mixture of several different caves, the second part of which includes caves related to Hinduism and the rest of caves related to Buddhism.

Architecture of Elephanta Caves

The famous Elephanta Caves are spread over an area of 60 thousand square feet. There are a total of 7 caves in its complex, out of which 5 caves are related to Hinduism, while the other two caves are related to Buddhism.

Interesting facts about Elephanta Caves

1. Mahesh Murti Cave is the most prominent cave among Hindu caves, in which various forms of Lord Shankar have been engraved in a very spectacular manner in 26 pillars.
2. The most interesting thing about Elephanta Cave is that idols of many different deities of Hinduism have been installed here. The temples located in Elephanta Cave spread over an area of 60,000 square feet are carved out of hills.
3. The island on which Elephanta Caves are sited was originally called Gharapuri. It was the Portuguese who renamed it as Elephanta, after they got a large stone elephant near their landing place.
4. There are seven cave excavations, dating back to 6th-7th centuries A.D. that form a part of Elephanta Cave complex
5. Elephanta Caves are assumed to date back to time of the Silhara Kings.

How to reach Elephanta Caves