Gezicht op de grottempel op Elephanta (1835) by anoniemRijksmuseum
Introduction
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island, Mumbai, India. These caves are renowned for their rock-cut sculptures dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Discover more about the magnificent sculptures in Cave 1 in this story.
Elephanta Caves Panel India by CyArkCyArk
Sadashiva
Enter through the northern entrance of the cave, and you find yourself in a large pillared hall. Move further into the cave, and a centerpiece at the far end of the cave becomes visible - a deeply recessed 20 foot tall, three-headed Shiva known as Sadashiva. A fourth head at the rear and a fifth head at the top is implied.
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The mighty Sadashiva sculpture embodies different aspects of Shiva. The central face is serene, while the left face showcases his fierce nature (with a mustache, frown, and skulls in his matted hair), and the right face displays gentleness (soft curls, a gentle smile and a lotus).
Elephanta Caves Panel India by CyArkCyArk
Ardhanarishvara
A colossal five-meter-tall sculpture flanks the Sadashiva, depicting the androgynous form of Ardhanarishvara - the half-woman, half-man embodiment of Shiva and Parvati. This divine figure symbolizes the perfect union of masculine and feminine energies. The sculpture is vertically divided, with the right side representing Shiva and the left, Parvati.
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Distinctive details accentuate the gender division. Postured in the tribhanga pose, the figure leans gracefully on Nandi. Exaggerated feminine attributes, such as a prominent left breast and hip, are clearly delineated. The four arms hold symbolic objects: a mirror, the remnant of a lotus, a snake, and a hand resting on Nandi. The figure is adorned with a lavish headdress, featuring pleats on the left and a crescent moon on the right. Unfortunately, the lower part of the sculpture has suffered considerable damage.
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Gangadhara
On the right of the Sadashiva statue is the Gangadhara sculpture. The epithet "Gangadhara" literally translates to "bearer of the Ganges", a fitting title for Shiva in Hindu mythology. The sculpture depicts this pivotal moment when the celestial river Ganga, personified as a formidable three-headed goddess, descends from the heavens.
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To prevent catastrophic destruction upon impact, Shiva miraculously intercepts the divine torrent, channeling its force through the tangled locks of his hair. This act transformed the cataclysmic power of the river into a gentle, life-sustaining flow, a testament to Shiva's benevolent control over nature's most potent forces.
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Yogishvara: Lord of Yoga
As you come in through the Northern entrance of Cave 1, the Mahayogi sculpture can be found on your left. The Yogishvara statue at the Elephanta Caves depicts Shiva as the ultimate Yogi. The statue is in a dilapidated condition, but it still shows Shiva seated in a lotus position with a well-formed posture, lost in meditation. He is surrounded by various deities and sages who revere him, but a halo seems to keep them at bay.
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Nataraja: Lord of Dance
Opposite the Yogishvara statue, is the Nataraja statue. The Nataraja is a captivating depiction of Shiva as the cosmic dancer. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction. The statue portrays Shiva in a dynamic pose, often with one foot raised, as if caught in a perpetual dance. His eight arms hold symbolic objects, and his flowing hair and eyes conveying a sense of divine energy.
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Kalyanasundara
This relief depicts the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, known as "Kalyanasundara" or "beautiful marriage." The central figures are surrounded by deities like Parvati's father, Chandra (the moon deity), and Brahma.
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Andhakasuravadha
In this bas relief panel, a multi-armed Shiva slays Andhaka, the King of Demons. According to the legend, with every drop of Andhaka's blood spilled, a new demon would emerge. In this image, Shiva is shown carrying a cup to collect the demon's blood. He is shown full of rage, with his third eye open, and a skull in his headdress.
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Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash
Shiva and Parvati are seated on Mount Kailash, engaged in a game of dice. Parvati looks away, not pleased with Shiva's cheating. Shiva loses every game, including his divine possessions. As per the legend, with every roll of the dice, a new era is created.
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Ravanaanugraha
Opposite the panel with Lord Shiva playing dice with Goddess Parvati, is this relief panel of Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Ravana, the King of Lanka is a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Angry that Shiva is not listening to his prayers, he tries to lift Mount Kailash, but with little success.
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