ELEPHANTA CAVES MUMBAI

   

Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are on

Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

The early history of the Elephanta Caves is unknown, but many historians agree on the point that the temples and reliefs on the site date back to somewhere between the 5th-century and 9th century. The site is located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri, which means the village of caves in the Marathi language. The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so. In 1661, the colonial British rulers brought the island under their dominion. It was the Portuguese who dubbed the island Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore (this collapsed in 1814 and was moved by the British to Mumbai's Jijamata Udyan). There's a small museum on-site, with informative pictorial panels on the origin of the caves.

                                                                                                               Location of Elephanta caves

The Elephanta Caves is also called Gharapuri Leni, located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai, Maharashtra State . in INDIAN NATION 

Mumbai is capital of Maharashtra state ,
Mumbai is economic capital of India 
 

Latitude and Longitude    

• 18.9219   North latitude
• 72.8346   East longitude 

Mean sea level (or) Elevation

• Elevation(or )mean sea level of Elephanta caves 173 meter(or )568 .ft Above sea level

Climate of  Elephanta caves

• The Climate of Mumbai may be a tropical, wet and dry climate. Mumbai's climate are often best described as moderately hot with high level of humidity. Its coastal nature and tropical location ensure temperatures don't fluctuate much throughout the year.
• The mean average is 27.2 °C and average precipitation is 242.2 cm (95.35 inches).
• The mean maximum average temperatures is about 32 °C (90 °F) in summer and 30 °C (86 °F) 
• in winter, while the average minimums are 25 °C (77 °F) in summer and 18 °C (64 °F) in winter. 
• Mumbai experiences three distinct seasons: 1. 
• Winter (October to February) winter temperature 15 to twenty degree C Peak Winter Months – Dec to Mid Feb with temperature range 12–19°C; 2. 
• Summer (March to May) Avg temperature 30 to 27°C; Peak Summer Months (Mid March to 1 June week), temperature shoots up to 30–40°C with humidity being approx 70–80%. 
• 3.Monsoon: (June to September). Peak monsoon months: July & August sometimes with winds and thunderstorms. Temperatures at 24–29°C. 

Best visiting Time

• November to March is best visiting time

Local language

• Hindi 
• English
• Marathi

Mobile Network availability in Mumbai

• Bsnl
• Airtel
• Jio
• Idea
• Vodafone 

Elephanta  caves  is famous for

Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves"), in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Best Time to go to Elephanta Caves

The best time to go to the Elephanta caves is in winter months, i,e, between Nov and Feb. One should not visit the caves from June to August, that could be a peak season in city.

During now, ferry rides return to a halt because the ocean becomes unpredictable.

TIMING OF CAVES

• Timings :                                 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Time Required :                      4-5hours
• Entry Fee :     SAARC, Myanmar, Thailand citizens: INR 10,
• Foreigners:                              INR 250,
• Children (under 15 years):        Free,
• Village entry fee:                       INR 10,
• Photography Charges:                Free
• Videography Charges:                INR 25

HOW TO REACH CAVES FROM MUMBAI

• Ticket counters for boat journey are near Gateway. Outside also there will be ticket selling boys. But better take the ticket from counter. There is no advance booking ( not required ) . After buying ticket move towards Jetty located back side of Gateway.
• Price per ticket is       Rs 180/- , 
•                                    Rs 125/ for child 2 years to 7 years .
• (Ticket includes onward and return journey )
• Boat timings to Elephanta island from Gateway
• From Gateway              first boat is at 9.00 AM
• From Gateway               last boat is at 3.00 PM
• From Elephant               first return boat is at 12.00 Noon.
• From Elephanta              last return boat is at 5.30 PM.
• Frequency of boat service is on every half an hour.
• Duration of Journey       ( one way ) is one hour.
• There is a warning board saying ' Due to bad weather, Launch services will be closed without prior notice.

About Elephanta Caves

• The Elephanta Caves is additionally referred to as Gharapuri Leni, settled on Elephanta Island in city, geographic region. the complete cave temple complicated space is concerning 60000 area unit and  boasts of the central chamber, 2 lateral ones, several subsidiary shrines, and courtyards. Also, there square measure 3 passages to the temple complicated. the complete location is constructed from solid natural rock with elaborately lapidarian sculptures of idols.
• There square measure primarily seven caves wherever one will investigate the important excellence of ancient Indian design. There square measure many highly-finished rock surfaces in Elephanta Caves; but, some square measure the stark untreated rocks too. the foremost outstanding expression of graven caves are often detected within the 2 major teams of caves here.
• The first cave represents engravings supported Hinduism, wherever you may notice rock cut stone sculptures, dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the sculpture, you will see instance essence of the Shiva symbol created in eight manifest forms that square measure value viewing.
• Further, once you head to alternative smaller caves, you may witness that it’s Associate in Nursing example of the Buddhist rock-cut design. So, visit to the current web site isn't concerning seeing the design marvel however additionally it’s your thanks to recognize Indian culture additional deeply.
• Elephanta Caves were allotted as a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage web site within the year 1987. Thus, it's a notable web site visited by several tourists throughout their trip to city to explore the historical and religious marvels here. Also, each Feb, the geographic region business enterprise Development Corporation (MTDC) hosts an incredible dance competition at Elephanta Island.

Elephanta Caves info

• The native Maratti of us popularised this island as Gharapuri, however Elephanta became common formulation when the Portuguese took over the land from the Gujarat state in 1534 and named it therefore when the huge rock-cut elephant sculpture that stood watcher over the ocean. The colonisers known the structure as a landmark to dock their boats and to additionally tell it except for the opposite smaller islands on the sea. you'll now not realize this monolithic elephant sculpture here because it was broken in an effort to maneuver it to European country. In 1914, it absolutely was reassembled by Caddell and Hewett and placed within the Jamaat Udaan, a facility and garden in Byculla, Mumbai, wherever it stands nowadays.
• While the design within the historic Elephanta Caves owe it to the assorted spiritual texts, non secular philosophy and Hindu mythology, and to not mention, the Puranas and also the epics, the sculptures and also the panels are thought of a veritable statement on the Hindu culture and society in mid-1st millennium metal.
• Cave one or the good Cave: when disembarking from the ferry, you'll either walk the one km distance to the cave website or take a toy train from the pier to the bottom of Capitol Hill. Further, you wish to ascend a fleet of a hundred and twenty steps to the top on that the good Cave is perked up. 
• The design of the cave appears to own been borrowed from that of a typical Buddhist Vihara (monastery), with a central court and a number of other columned cells. For a depth of thirty-nine metres from front to back, it's a remarkably little main entrance. Although, there ar 2 aspect entrances every from east and west. associate lyric poem to Shaivism, the temple complicated celebrates the assorted forms and manifestations of Shiva with some heroic sculptures. 
• The centerpiece of the Grand Cave is that the Trimurti, and additionally the foremost intriguing. Facing the north entrance is that the Trimurti sculpture sculpted in relief on the cave wall depiction Shiva with 3 heads, additionally referred to as Sadashiva. The 3 heads every ar symbolic of the Divine, translating into creator, preserver and destroyer. 
• The Gangadhara is another depiction of Shiva simply to the correct of the Trimurti. Here, in extreme detail, Shiva is shown conveyance the Ganges down from the heavens to serve humanity, whereas deity Annapurna appearance self-satisfied standing beside him. The carving of Ardhanarishvara to the east of the Trimurti is in an exceedingly bedraggled state. 
• It portrays the approaching along of energy and power by showing the unification of Shiva and Annapurna with the higher 0.5 as a female type and also the lower, masculine. Nataraja, Yogishwara, the marriage of Shiva and Annapurna ar among the opposite in style themes Cave one delves into.

Cannon Hill for Caves 2 to 5:

•  Cave two was ravaged and fixed within the Nineteen Seventies. it's four sq. pillars and 2 little cells. Cave three carries on the mandapa study gift with columned recesses and inner chambers. The central door holds a broken shrine, believed to be that of Shiva. Next in line is Cave four additionally in an exceedingly ruinous state with a rambling porch deprived of pillars. Though, there's a symbol within the shrine at the rear of the structure. Cave five merely exists with no discernible regard to any gospel in history.

Stupa Hills for Cave 6 and 7: 

• Cave six on the jap hill across from Cave one is additionally referred to as Sitabai cave temple. The construction has four pillars, 3 chambers and a central shrine. No adornments from the days gone along stay within the cave, riddance a frieze with some lion figures sculpted on that. Cave six is critical traditionally due to its conversion and use as a church throughout the Portuguese rule. There isn’t a lot of left of Cave seven too then again a little porch that most likely accommodated 3 chambers. The dry pool on the far side Cave seven was most likely a Buddhist cistern because of the presence of Buddhist cisterns on its shores. on the point of the cistern may be a large mound known as a Stupa that dates back to ordinal Century BCE.

Defacement and Restoration of the Caves

• Over centuries students have argued over United Nations agency damaged the structures most, however their findings stay inconclusive to the present day. Some colleges blame it on the Gujarat state amount for dealing a blow to the design and decorations across the caves, and also there ar others United Nations agency realize the Portuguese troopers guilty of victimization the caves as a target range and the statues for recitation. many consultants clear the Muslim rulers and also the Portuguese from any harm the caves suffered, for they were believed to own plastered the design and even the caves. These consultants believe that the Marathas facilitated the approaching doom of the caves by deliberately damaging the design within the seventeenth century. within the Nineteen Seventies, the Indian government created major restoration efforts and gave the heritage website a replacement lease of life. Today, the anthropology Survey of India (ASI) manages the location in terms of constructing support structures and maintaining the on-the-spot repository and visitant facilities.

History of Elephanta Caves:

• The Elephanta caves on the island square measure believed thus far back to the Silhara Kings era. However, there aren't any solid proves to verify the same; still, there square measure many assumptions related to its formation. Actually, the Portuguese World Health Organization reached Bharat renamed the island as Elephanta.
• The caves square measure believed to return underneath the administrations of a myriad of rulers that controlled this space for several centuries until the fashionable age. 
• These rulers square measure the Mauryas of Konkan, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Trikutakas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas of Devagiri, Kalyani Chalukyas, Shahi family line of Gujarat, the Marathas, the Portuguese, and even Brits.
• Additionally, as per the native tradition, folks believe that the artisans created the Elephanta caves while not the least bit victimisation their hands.
• The history of the Elephanta Caves has no solid proofs and is predicated on variety of inferences drawn from speculations and postulations. it's believed that the Elephanta Caves were designed by Pandavas, however, some conjointly credit identical to Banasura, the demon lover of Shiva. native tradition dictates that the caves weren't designed by the hands of men in the slightest degree. 
• Historians date the Elephanta Caves back to late fifth - eighth century AD however excavations of Kshatrapa coins dated to fourth century AD have conjointly been unearthed here. 
• Records area unit offered from the defeat of the Mauryan rulers of Konkan by the Badami Chalukyas emperor Pulakesi II. At that point, Elephanta was referred to as Puri or Purika and was the capital of the Konkan Mauryas. As a results of this, some historians believe that the caves were designed by them throughout their reign. 
• Other historians have attributed the caves to the Kalachuris World Health Organization area unit believed to possess some relationship with the Konkan Mauryas. 
• These assumptions area unit supported the actual fact that the Elephanta caves area unit dedicated to Pashupata Shaivism Sect, a sect to that Kalachuris in addition as Konkan Mauryas belonged. apart from these, the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas also are believed to possess been behind the creation of those glorious caves. 
• Following the rule of the Chalukyas, Elephanta Caves fell into the hands of the Gujarat state, World Health Organization given it to the Portuguese in 1534. 
• The Portuguese renamed the island as "Elephanta Island" because of the massive stone sculpture of AN elephant that was set close to the island. Elephanta Caves saw major deterioration below the Portuguese till 1661, once the caves came below the territory of British people. 
• The main cave was fixed within the Nineteen Seventies however the opposite caves area unit still in a {very} very deplorable condition. The Elephanta Caves got featured in UNESCO's list of World Heritage website in 1987 and have become a fair a lot of common tourer destination afterward.

UNESCO world heritage list sites in India

Cultural (30)

1. Agra Fort (1983)
2. Ajanta Caves (1983)
3. Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavira at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
4. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
5. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
8. Elephanta Caves (1987)
9. Ellora Caves (1983)
10. Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
11. Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004)
12. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
13. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
14. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
15. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
16. Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
17. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
18. Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
19. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
20. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
21. Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
22. Qutub Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
23. Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
24. Red Fort Complex (2007)
25. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
26. Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
27. Taj Mahal (1983)
28. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
29. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
30. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)

Natural (7)

1. Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
2. Kaziranga National Park (1985)
3. Keoladeo National Park (1985)
4. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
5. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)
6. Sundarbans National Park (1987)
7. Western Ghats (2012)

Mixed (1)

1. Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

Architecture of Elephanta Caves:

• Elephanta caves is Associate in Nursing epitome of Indian design portraying the constituted Indian mythology in its each corner. the most cave at Elephanta caves holds a picture of Ravana raising Kailash mountain. Further, at Ardhanarishvara, you'll see a show of Shiva and Parvati at intervals constant body.
• When you move to the tip you get to ascertain the Sadasiva show of lapidarian Shiva that could be a twenty foot high marvel of the three-headed Shiva, referred to as Trimurti - a classic example of Indian art. This location of Elephanta caves can grab your attention as before long as you enter the temple.
• As you head to ascertain the design on its southern wall you may be shocked by the glorious sculptured styles of Ardhanariswara, Kalyanasundaram, Uma Maheswara, and Gangadhara. Further, within the west, one should explore sculptured pictures of Andhakaasuravadamoorthy and Nataraja and Yogiswara and Ravana Anugraha Murti pictures within the east.
• Beside, Cave One at this place is that the most stunning web site from all of the caves gift here. This cave is lapidarian get into the simplest way that shows the glory of Buddhist design.

What to not Miss at Elephanta Caves

Attractions to visualize in Elephanta Caves:

Elephanta Island is a treasure trove of architecture and heritage. You can find several sculptures and carvings here, each of which testifies to the incredible craftsmanship and architectural prowess of the bygone eras, such as:

• Cave 1 (or) the Great Cave, the largest cave on the island
• Trimurti, a three-headed Shiva statue considered to be the most important sculpture in these caves
• Gangadhara, Ardhanarishvara, Nataraja, and other sculptures in Cave 1
• Cave 2 to 4 on the Cannon Hill with smaller and mostly ruined works of art
• Cave 5, which is an unfinished cave
• Caves 6 and 7 on Stupa Hill, which reflect Buddhist elements
• A ruined Buddhist Stupa on Stupa Hill

1. Mythological Representations -

 The three-headed Shiva or triad and 'Gangadhar' - a show of the watercourse Ganges, and 'Ardhnarishwar' - image of Shiva and Annapurna area unit the 3 primary attractions here. Also, read the Nataraja sculpture that has concerning eleven foot height and concerning thirteen foot dimension set low within the wall. aside from these, you may notice a excess of sculptures and pictures further in numerous caves. All can leave you hypnotised with their knotty styles.

2. Archeologic repository - 

you'll observe ancient things associated with Elephanta Island during this tiny archaeologic repository. the primary hall presents the narrations of the displays in Elephanta. subsequent gallery shows a excess of black and white images of alternative rock-cut temple design of Republic of India. guests can even see the heritage attractions that includes massive maps and variety of alternative details in another hall.

3. Cannon Trekking - 

Elephanta caves also are common for a few trekking grounds. One will trek here to succeed in one in every of the 2 canons settled close to Elephanta Caves. you would like to hike a slender path to succeed in the canons. 

You have to catch a ferry from The entrance of Republic of India to succeed in the renowned Elephanta caves. The ferry service for the island operates from nine am to a pair of pm solely. The ferry costs vary from Bureau of Intelligence and Research one hundred thirty to Bureau of Intelligence and Research one hundred fifty as per the boat convenience you decide on.

Facts concerning Elephanta Caves:

• Elephanta Caves has over 3000 years previous history.
• -Under the Portuguese rule, the most cave established at Elephanta Caves was the Hindu place of worship.
• -The Portuguese damaged the bulk of the sculptures sculpted within the caves within the seventeenth century.
• -A heap of students take into account that Christian Portuguese troopers used the Elephanta caves and also the sculptures as a practice range for his or her recitation.
• -Also, until 1661, the Caves witnessed vital decay underneath the Portuguese. The intruders largely displaced the cravings and also the writings. however even these days, the place options lots to admire for the guests.
• -From the years 1872 to 1903, nation Republic of India Government charged a temple tax on people that accustomed return for visiting the Elephanta Caves.
• -The Kshatrapa coins excavations that area unit qualitative analysis back to the fourth century AD conjointly unearthed from here.
• -Some archaeologists associated the Elephanta caves to the Kalachuris purportedly having a particular reference to the Konkan Mauryas.
• -Beside, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas also are believed to possess been behind the creation of those impressive caves.
• -The huge elephant model, that is that the supply of this island's name, is currently settled at Jijamata Udyan. it's the oldest public park in city.
• -Proofs of paint found on the volcanic rock caves symbolize that the artworks would possibly truly be painted.

Elephanta Caves: Today

Today, the magnificent Elephanta Caves count among the top tourist attractions and . historical monument in mumbai This architectural marvel was granted the status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987. A two-day music and dance festival, called the Elephanta Festival, is held at the island every year in February. The caves are now under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India .

How to reach

by air

Chhatrapati Shivaji International landing field, once called Sahar International landing field, is that the primary international landing field serving the metropolis Metropolitan space. it's set regarding thirty klick from local time Station. Domestic landing field is in Vile Parle East. metropolis Chhatrapati Shivaji has a pair of terminals. Terminal one or Domestic Terminal wont to be the recent landing field referred to as Santacruz landing field, some locals area unit still mistreatment this name today. Terminal a pair of or International Terminal replaced the recent terminal a pair of, once called the Sahar landing field. The Santa Cruz Domestic landing field is regarding four.5 kilometres from the international landing field.

By Train Mumbai is incredibly well connected to remainder of Bharat by trains. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is that the most well liked station in metropolis. Trains to metropolis area unit on the market from all major railway stations in Bharat. Some vital metropolis trains to notice area unit the metropolis Rajdhani, metropolis Duronto, Konkan Kanya specific. However, if you're coming back from alternative central or community railway stations, then you'll reach local time through native transport. metropolis is connected by road that results in all major cities in Bharat

By Road

Mumbai is connected with national highways and expressways . metropolis visit by bus is that the most economical for individual tourists. Government, additionally as non-public buses, operate daily services to the current route. metropolis bus stand is set at the centre of town.

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