Located in the close proximity of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves are just at a distance of 10 km from the Gateway of India. Situated on the Elephanta Island, these are the famous caves in Maharashtra which has many temples cut from the rocks.  It is believed that, these caves were cut in 5th century.  Caves are named after the name of the island and island was named by Portuguese after a huge statue of elephant which stands near the entry point of the island.  

Elephanta caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves are adorned by the beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva.  Rocks are chiseled to give space to columns, internal areas and the sculptures. There are polished as well as raw surfaces on the rocks.  Elephanta caves altogether look like a huge piece of sculpture and there are chambers and corridors for the people to walk through. These famous caves are straddled on a huge area of 60,000 sq ft. Apart from a main huge chamber in the caves; there are two small chambers, many secondary shrines and few patios.  

There are three entrances to the Elephanta Caves which are counted among the famous sightseeing attractions in Mumbai.  There is a 20 pillars hall at the western and eastern entrances of the caves. The hall has the images of tales from the Siva Purana. The Shivalingam has been enshrined in a vault at the western end of the caves.  Construction of the pillars at the Elephanta Caves is unique.  Pillars have fluted columns at square bases and fluted cushion capitals on the top.

There is a courtyard in the Main temple which has the statue of Trimurti Sadasive and a small shrine, flanked by six pillars. The idol of Trimurthi Sadasiva is the main attraction of Elephanta caves.  Trimurti Sadasiva is the Sadasiva manifestation of Lord Shiva.  This statue is standing on the North Axis of Elaphanta Caves. This 20 ft high statue depicts Lord Shiva in His three headed form.  Right head of the Shiva reflects His feminine side which is the Creator of the Universe (Lord Brahma), Central Face depicts the benign Shiva which is the Preserver of the Universe (Lord Vishnu) and the left side depicts the angry face of the Lord Shiva that is the destroyer of the Universe (Aghora Bhairava).                

While planning to visit Mumbai, read this Mumbai travel guide for more information about the city.