The
6th Century Shiva temple in the Elephanta caves is one of the most exquisitely
carved and one of the most celebrated temples in India. The central attraction at
this temple is a twenty-foot high bust of the deity in a three-headed form
located in the Maheshamurti
Cave, which piques the
interest of several travellers and sees a lot of tourists visiting throughout
the year.
The
Maheshamurti is built deep into a recess in the Elephanta Caves
and looms up from the darkness to fill the full height of the cave. The image
symbolizes the fierce, feminine and meditative aspects of the great ascetic and
the three heads represent Lord Shiva as Aghori, Ardhanarishvara and Mahayogi.
Aghori is the aggressive form of Shiva where he is intent on destruction.
Ardhanarishvara depicts Lord Shiva as half-man/half-woman, signifying the
essential unity of the sexes. The Mahayogi posture symbolises the meditative
aspect of the God and here Lord Shiva is shown in his most quiet and serene
form. Other sculptures in these caves depict Shiva's cosmic dance of primordial
creation and destruction and his marriage to Parvati.
The
best time to visit these caves is during the Elephanta festival, where there
are dance programmes organized by the MTDC. One can reach the Elephanta Caves
only by a boat, which is available at the Gateway of India in Bombay and leave for the island at intervals
of every half an hour.
A
unique tourist destination, this place will prove thrilling for anyone, be it a
child or an adult. Replete with mythical importance, the grandeur of the Maheshamurti Cave is simply spellbinding! Don’t
forget to visit the next time you’re travelling nearby!
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