What is the other name for Elephanta Caves?
It is also known as Sadashiva and Maheshmurti. The image, 6 m (20 ft) in height, depicts a three-headed Shiva, representing Panchamukha Shiva.
What is the old name of Elephanta Caves?
Gharapuri
Known in ancient times as Gharapuri (or, ‘place of caves’), the name Elephanta island (Portuguese: ilha do Elefante), was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers, after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant found near the entrance.
Why is Elephanta Cave named Elephanta?
The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so.
Is ferry to Elephanta Caves open?
The Elephanta Caves visiting hours are between 09:30 am and 05:30 pm. A ferry leaves every half hour from the Gateway of India for Elephanta, with the last one leaving at 02:00 pm.
Who made Ajanta caves?
20 caves were built during the Vakataka dynasty, during the reign of Harisena, and at the end of his reign, these caves were abandoned. Inside the caves, you can see paintings depicting the life of Gautam Buddha, and also stories from Jataka Tales.
What is the Speciality of Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves, situated on the Elephanta Island is home to 1,200 year old rock cut temple of Lord Shiva. Ancient carvings and sculptures adorn the temple. The speciality of the temple is that it was built out of a single rock with space for columns and shrines.
What is the importance of Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves holds its significance because: The Shaivite group of caves − While there are many examples of Buddhist Caves in India, Elephanta Caves stand as a unique and important example as it is influenced by Shaiva traditions and mythology in the Shiva Purana.
Which Colour used in Ajanta caves?
The main colours used were red ochre, yellow ochre, brown ochre, lamp black, white and lapis lazuli which was imported from Northern India, central Asia and Persia. The green was made by mixing this lapis lazuli with Indian yellow ochre.
Is there a ferry from Elephanta to Elephanta Caves?
And typically there is one leaving for Elephanta every 30 minutes, between 9 am and 2 pm. Also note, Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays. So is the ferry service to Elephanta. Similarly, the ferry schedules from Elephanta are like this: the first return boat leaves Elephanta by 12 noon.
Which is the best ferry to Elephanta from India?
Elephanta Ferry (launch) services operate from the Gateway of India ferry point also called the Apollo Bandar. There are two types of boats/launches : The Luxury Type and Economy Type. The former cost Rs150 while the later cost Rs120 for return ticket.
How did the Elephanta Caves get its name?
Around the 6th century the Elephanta caves became as popular as Gharapuri caves. It later became part of Gujarat Sultanate rulers who later lost to Portuguese merchants in 1534. It was the Portuguese who later named it as “Elephanta Island” due to the presence of a huge rock cut statue of an elephant.
What’s the distance between Elephanta Caves and Gateway of India?
The distance between these Elephanta Caves and the iconic Gateway Of India is 10 Kms. These caves are the combination of Hinduism and Buddhist caves. These caves are present on the Island which is known as “Elephanta” or “Gharapuri” island.