Mumbai, India

During the early days of Hindu philosophy, cave temples became the symbol of piety and extreme religious leanings. Many cave temples were made during this period. At this point in time there was a mix of followers of different religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Religious tolerance and openness is evident by the fact that devotees of any of these religions carved out the idols of their favorite deity. So it is not common to find Hindu, Buddhist or Jain cave temples harmoniously existing together since time immemorial. The journey to the Elephanta Caves is like a journey back in time, the caves are remarkably well–preserved.

The home of Shiva at Elephanta is the center and most powerful of all of the Hindu Shiva temples.

Architecturally, this temple is more than a cave. As a cave, it is sound and secure but as a temple it is a masterpiece of art. It is believed that it cannot be separated from its physical context, as this would invalidate a good part of its religious power. Everything about Elephanta suggests an abandoning of the everyday world. According to legend, three journeys must be taken in order to approach the temple. A passage across water, a mountain must be climbed, and a cave entered. It gives the worshiper a sense of duty and preparation to be in the home of Shiva. This is one of the most important factors of the temple. There are guardians surrounding the temple. No one that is unworthy shall enter the temple. Measures have been taken to provide Shiva with privacy. There are three entrances to the temple on the north, east, and west sides. The inside of the cave is easily understandable. The area is divided by columns, creating equal rows and aisles.

Concept Of Shiva

So engrossed is man in pursuit of higher goals that there is little time for introspection or reflection on one’s inner self. Reflection on the inside, coming back to oneself, is extremely difficult, and is a process to be mastered here, amidst godly energy. Movement from north to south is very different. A believer passes under the beams, down towards the Eternal Shiva. Once one has reached the deepest point, they are engulfed in near darkness while approaching the triple-faced image (Mahadeva, Maheshvara, Mahashamurti). Whether these are signs of good vs. evil, or past, present, future, this is the inner sanctum sanctorum. The physical space is a series of circles from the Eternal Shiva outward. The inner circles represent what is Godly, and the outer circles represent the outer world, filled with commercialism, greed, and crime. The inner spheres are pure. The panels surrounding these sculptures are not random.