Elephanta Caves
| Elephanta Caves घारापुरीची लेणी |
|
|---|---|
The 20 ft (6.1 m) high Trimurti sculpture
|
|
| Location | Elephanta Island, Maharashtra, India |
| Coordinates | 18°57′30″N 72°55′50″E / 18.95833°N 72.93056°ECoordinates: 18°57′30″N 72°55′50″E / 18.95833°N 72.93056°E |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, iii |
| Designated | 1987 (11th session) |
| Reference no. | 244 rev |
| Region | Asia-Pacific |
 Location of Elephanta Caves
घारापुरीची लेणी in Mumbai 
Location of Elephanta Caves
घारापुरीची लेणी in Mumbai 
Location of Elephanta Caves
घारापुरीची लेणी in Mumbai |
|
Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, is about 11 km (6.8 mi) east of the Apollo Bunder (Bunder in Marathi means a "pier for embarkation and disembarkation of passengers and goods") on the Mumbai Harbour and 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Pir Pal in Trombay. The island covers about 10 km2 (3.9 sq mi) at high tide and about 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi) at low tide. Gharapuri is small village on the south side of the island. The Elephanta Caves can be reached by a ferry from the Gateway of India, Mumbai, which has the nearest airport and train station. The cave is closed on Monday.
...
Wikipedia