Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Mahadeva, Lord Shiva. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri ('The City of Caves:), The island consists of five Hindu caves, a few Buddhist and two Buddhist caves with water tanks.
To reach the Caves, a visitor or pilgrim has to walk up 120 steep steps from the beach or take the tourist train. At the main entrance are 4 pillars, with three open porticoes and an aisle at the back. Pillars, six in each row, divide the hall into a series of smaller chambers.
The Three Headed Mahadeva is considered ‘masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art’ this is the most important & most impressive sculpture in the cave. The vastness of this figure is intimidation. It’s the only sculpture that has not suffered much in terms of destruction.
BThe Sculpture is based on six principles of the universe,0this sculpture shows three of six aspects of the Lord.
Left face represents feminine side, holding a lotus, there is a 🕯️smile carved on his face, it shows his caring nature, called ‘Vamadeva‘ resembling Brahma.
Right face (viewers left) has a mustache is holding a snake in his hand, depicts him filled in rage. It is believed that his anger can burn the world into flames with his third eye. This form of his is known as ‘Rudra‘
Central face instantly soothes you into it at first gaze, engrossed in meditation is enlightened, a yogi and engrossed into his thoughts to the betterment of the universe, this aspect of his is called ‘Tatpurusha‘ resembling Vishnu this also earns him the name ‘Yogeshwa
The other three aspects are not carved but are as follow:
Isana that conceals; associated with all that exists; represents Aether (Space).
Aghora that rejuvenates Brahman; associated with Rudra; represents 🔥
Kartikeya was created by Shiva using his 3rd 👁️ with ALL 6 faces.
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