Elephanta Caves
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva on Gharapuri island in Mumbai harbour, home to the great three-headed Sadashiva.
MonumentGharapuri island, Mumbai harbour (Raigad district)Best time to visit: November to March; ferries do not run in rough monsoon weatherUNESCO heritage 1987
Highlights
- The Sadashiva (Maheshmurti), a giant three-faced image of Shiva
- Carved panels of Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara and the marriage of Shiva and Parvati
- A one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India
Significance
The island's name comes from a large stone elephant the Portuguese found there, now displayed in the grounds of the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Jijamata Udyan) in Mumbai. The caves were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.