UNESCO

The Elephanta caves are located in the Western India on Elephanta Island (Island of Gharapuri). It features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley. The caves are robust in their carvings of Shaivite Sculptures. This is about 10 kilometers east of the Gateway of India in Mumbai. There are two hills one to the east and one to the west. The western ridge rises gradually from the sea and expands towards the east. It peaks at an elevation of about 173 meters. Cave 1 or the Great Cave is the landmark Cave which is on the western hill. It is famous for its Shivite depictions and reliefs from Hindu Epics and Mythology. There is a 7 metre high masterpiece “Sadashiva” that dominates the entrance to Cave 1. It represents the three aspects of Shiva – the Creator, Preserver and the...