Thread by @brakoo

Recently I visited the magnificent Elephanta caves. Was it the konkan Mauryas, or the Kalachuris or the Chalukyas (Pulikeshin II?) who excavated these magnificent caves, I don't know (no expertise). But what I know is that it must have been one of the best Shivalayas of its time.

While there are a few caves, will be posting pics from the main cave and following the sequence as shown in the below pic. 😃

1. Ravananugraha
Every pic I put up is of a relief that is at least 20ft tall. This one of Ravana lifting Kailāśa before the lord puts him in his place with the press of a toe.

This is perhaps one of the most damaged reliefs. But yet, one gets a perspective of the grandeur.

2. Shiva-Parvati seated on mount Kailasa. It is almost as if the divine couple had a make-believe tiff and mother is looking away in faux anger, as the pantheon witnesses the leela. 😃

3. Ardhanarishvara. The magnificent Southern panels start with ardhanarishvara on the left. One can gaze and gaze at the elegance of this relief.

4. Sadashiva. I have no words. That jatamukuta. That kirtimukha. That moustache. Aghora, Tatpurusha and Vamadeva, in that sequence, some say. I will let the experts decide.

5. Gangadhara
She rushes with devastating force from the heavens with an intent of forceful impact. The lord stands firm to bear the brunt as ma moves aside in jealousy. 🙂

6. Kalyanasundaramurti.
The divine kanyadana.

7. Andhakasuravadha.
The anger is palpable in the motion depicted in the scene as the lord raises andhaka towards the sun to roast and burn away his ego.

8. Nataraja
Bhringi, Brahma, Ganesha, Skanda, Indra and all the pantheon watch on as the lord enthralls with his dance!

9. Yogishvara
Adiyogi seated on a lotus.

10. Kartikeya
The commander of the divine forces stands battle ready as the gods watch in awe, flanking the saptamatrikas (number 11 - no pic - too dark + too damaged)

12. Ganesha.
Opposite him sits his brother, perhaps, with a half smile thinking, "get battle ready all you want, I'll still get the mango." 😃

13. Dvarapalaka
Some superb craftsmanship on display here!

14. Yogishvara
In the smaller side shrine is another great relief of Yogishvara. The lotus is far more pronounced than in the previous one. (The number 15 Nataraja is barricaded and difficult to capture)

16. The main shrine with the lingam.
Within that entrance is a large basalt linga. The scale of the shrine can be clearly seen here as one stands, diminutive, in front of the larger than life dvarapalakas

Bonus: the two dvarapalakas flanking Sadashiva.

Why is it in such a state?

If you visit Mumbai, take the hour long ferry to it, spend half a day, at least, without fail.