The Elephanta Caves are located in Western Bharat on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The small island contains numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole testimonies to its rich cultural past. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The Elephanta Caves, taluka Uran, district Raigad is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’.
The caves are situated on a hilltop, and visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline from the island.
Architecture
There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th – 7th centuries A.D. constructed on 60,000 square feet. Of the seven caves, five are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and the other two caves are built in Buddhist style. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. On plan it almost resembles the Dumar Lena (Cave 29) of Ellora. Cave 1 is dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva, which stands as the center piece of the site. The most important among the caves the great Cave 1, measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. The Cave 1 has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively and a central hall (measuring 27 metres square) with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row except on the western corner, where a shrine of Shiva lingam can be seen. This cave has different statues of Bhagwan Shiva along the walls. This cave is best known for the colossal Trimurti sculpture, a massive three-headed depiction of Bhagwan Shiva, symbolizing his roles as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer of the universe. This awe-inspiring sculpture, standing over 6 meters (20 feet) tall, with Aghora or Bhairava (turbulent and fearsome) on the left half, Tatpurusha or Mahadeva (benign and meditative) at the central full face, and Vamadeva or Uma Maheshwara (mild pleasing and lovable) at the right half is the highlight of the caves. Representations of Nataraja, Yogishvara, Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Gangadharamurti, and Ravanaanugrahamurti (Ravana shaking Mount Kailash to impress Shiva) are also noteworthy for their forms, dimensions, and themes. A panel depicting Saptamatrikas (Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshwari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi, Chamunda) near the eastern opening is also remarkable. The walls and pillars of the caves are adorned with elaborate carvings that narrate stories from Hindu mythology, featuring divine figures such as Parvati, Ganesh, and Kartikeya.
Although most of the artworks and inscriptions in caves are ruined, parts of it have been restored. And the Cave 1, also known as the Great Cave, is in the best condition among others. These caves are cut from solid basalt rock. The Grand Cave (Cave 1) which is the largest in the complex has been preserved and restored as much as it could be.
Cave 2 and 3 are smaller than the first cave and each has a mandapa hall standing on pillars. The other two Hindu caves are in ruins today.
Cave 6, which provides a glimpse of Buddhist style, is also known as the Sitabai Temple. It has a large hall with three chambers, the central one of which has a shrine. The walls of this cave are adorned with intricate carvings. The other Buddhist cave is incomplete.
A narrow path near the first group of caves takes the visitors to the top of Cannon Hill. One can see two large canons there and also get captivating views of the surrounding sea and the skyline of Mumbai.
Though some of the original paintings have faded over time, the remaining sculptures and reliefs stand as a testament to the extraordinary skill, devotion, and artistic vision of the craftsmen who created them.
The intricately carved pillars, detailed sculptures, and finely chiselled rock surfaces in these caves reveal extraordinary architectural and artistic brilliance. The Hindu caves primarily showcase themes from Shaivism, with stunning depictions of Shiva in various forms, while the Buddhist caves feature simpler designs, including stupas and meditation chambers, reflecting their monastic use. The Elephanta Caves stands testimony to the craftsmanship of ancient Bharat artisans, who transformed rugged stone into a breathtaking spiritual and artistic landmark.
History
It is known that different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British. Although the Elephanta Caves are thought to have been formed between the late 5th and 8th centuries AD, excavations have also found Kshatrapa coins from the 4th century AD. Records date back to the Badami Chalukyas emperor Pulakesi II’s conquest of the Mauryan rulers of Konkan. Elephanta was then the capital of the Konkan Mauryas and was called Puri or Purika (mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II.). Besides the caves, Elephanta Island possesses archaeological remains from as early as the 2nd century BC and from the Portuguese period, as witnessed, respectively, by stupas buried towards the eastern side of the hillock and a canon located at its top.
Elephanta caves are devoted to the Pashupata Shaivism sect, which Konkan Mauryas and Kalachuris were members of. Elephanta Caves came into the possession of the Gujarat Sultanate after the Chalukyas’ control, and in 1534 they gave it up to the Portuguese. Because of the enormous stone monument of an elephant that stood close to the island, the Portuguese gave it the new name “Elephanta Island.” This large stone elephant sculpture is currently housed at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, located in Veermata Jijamata Udyan (Byculla), Mumbai. Before the British took control of Elephanta Caves in 1661, the Portuguese caused significant damage to the caves. The caves suffered serious damages too, during the Portuguese rule. By the time the British arrived, in the 17th century, the caves were in poor shape.
Renovation and restoration efforts
The preservation of Elephanta Caves began in the 1900s, and during the 1970s, the Great Cave was restored to its present form. Restoration works were done in other caves too. The authenticity of the property has been well maintained since its inscription on the World Heritage List, despite certain repairs on the façade and pillars that have been carried out to ensure the structural stability of the monument. Moreover, the caves are preserved in the form of monolithic temples, sarvatobhadra garbhgriha (sanctum), mandapa (courtyard), rock-cut architecture, and sculptures. Since inscription, a number of interventions have been made to conserve the site which include the construction of pathways, conservation of fallen and broken pillars, conservation of fallen and collapsed facades, construction of flight of steps leading to the caves from island’s jetty, etc. The minor caverns remain in extremely poor condition, although the main cave was renovated in the 1970s. After being added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1987 ensuring their preservation for future generations, the Elephanta Caves gained even more popularity as a travel destination.
The property is protected primarily by the Archaeological Survey of India, which also undertakes the management of the Elephanta Caves with the assistance of other government departments.
Cultural, religious and architectural heritage
Elephanta Caves Island is also popular as a place of worship among Hindus who come here to worship Bhagwan Shiva. It serves as a trekking destination too. Apart from the caves, the tourists can also visit the small archaeological museum. Here, one can see various items related to Elephanta Caves and the island. The museum also exhibits information about other rock-cut cave temples in Bharat.
Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai (Gateway of India).
Elephanta Caves Island also has a small toy train to take the visitors from the jetty to the entrance of the cave complex. Elephanta Caves nearest railway station is Churchgate.
In February, one can attend the Elephanta Island festival. It’s a two-day cultural festival featuring regional music and dance programmes.
Beyond their religious importance, the caves serve as an important cultural landmark, attracting historians, archaeologists, and tourists from around the world. For many Hindus, the site remains a place of pilgrimage and devotion, while for art enthusiasts, it is an unparalleled example of ancient Bharat rock-cut architecture. These caves continue to attract visitors, offering a glimpse into Bharat’s rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. These masterpieces not only serve as a spiritual and cultural treasure but also highlight the rich artistic heritage of Bharat, making the Elephanta Caves a must-visit site for history and art enthusiasts.
The Elephanta Cave which is one of the 10 oldest caves in Bharat continues to be a source of national pride, representing Bharat’s spiritual depth, artistic brilliance, and historical legacy.
