When we talk about caves in Maharashtra state we cannot ignore the Elephanta Caves which is still standing though not in a very good condition to tell the history. Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island near Mumbai city in the state of Maharashtra. This place is just 11 kilometres from Mumbai city. The Elephanta Island is also called Gharapuri which means the city of caves. The Elephants Caves consist of seven caves out of which five caves are Hindu caves while two caves are Buddhist caves. These caves are supposed to be created dates back in the fifth to eighth centuries. It is still a question who would have built this rock cut structures. The Hindu caves that have stone sculptures of Lord Shiva. It has some resemblance to the Kailas Temple in Ellora Caves. In that way the creation of these caves may have some connection with the builders of Ellora caves. The caves are built cutting the solid basalt rock. They were not only beautifully carved but also painted in that time but it is not that visible today. The place used to be the holy shrine for Hindu population.The tragedy that hit Elephanta CavesIn the year 1534 Portuguese captured this island and thus the Hindu population declined to visit the shrine. This place was named Elephants Island by Portuguese Rulers. They did not care about the place and the historic monument caves situated on the island. When they came to the Island they first saw a giant Elephant at the entrance and thus they named the place Elephanta Island and the caves were called Elephanta caves. They never respected the Hindu faith in God as well as the idols of Hindu Gods that were worshiped by large number of Hindus inside the caves. The Portuguese soldiers used to shot the statue heads for target practice. As a result most of the precious work of ancient art was demolished or damaged badly. Even the huge elephant structure collapsed in the year 1814 but later on it was restored. Currently it is placed in Jijamata Udyan outside the Bhau Daji Lad museum in Mumbai. The historic inscriptions were either destroyed or could not be found. Because of which it became difficult to know the original history and the exact date of inception of these splendid caves. The water dripping from the top and from cracks also contributed in damaging the interiors of caves.We are also responsible somehow for the current condition of this historic monument as while visiting the place we carelessly touch the walls, even scratch the interiors of caves and do spread the plastic wrappers and other waste. It is a shame for us because if we do not respect our heritage who else will do. Quite later it was realised that it is a historic architectural monument and then the work of restoration started and the caves were renovated without changing the original looks in the year 1970 after a long wait. In the year 1987 it Elephanta caves have become the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Archaeological Survey of India (AIS) is maintaining the place.The island is picturesque and the hills are visible from a distance. You can reach the island by Ferry ride. This ferry can be taken from the Gateway of India. You can also enjoy the forest patch here that has trees like mango, tamarind, palm and Karanj trees while some rice fields are also visible spread on the valley. There is one stupa on one of the hills on the island. Thus this hill is called stupa hill. Inside the cave of Elephanta the following remains you can explore:1. The entrance with detailed carvings2. A big hall having thick pillars to support3. Huge Mahesa statues4. A marvellous three headed statue of lord Shiva – the creators face at right, the protector’s face in the middle, the destroyer’s face at the left side. This sculptor is of 6.5 meter high. It is an excellent work of ancient art.5. Shiva’s statue depicting the event of bringing River Ganges from his hair onto the Earth.6. A statue in which Shiva seated on a lotus representing lord of Yogis.7. Statue of Shiva in dancing pose (Natraj posture).8. Ardhnarishwara form of Lord Shiva (magnificent)Events at the IslandEvery year in February there is a dance festival is organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).On the occasion of Mahashivaratri People visit the shrine and worship the various forms of Lord Shiva.The Elephanta Caves is a place worth visiting as it is not only a historic landmark but also a scenic green Island and small hills. It is also a place of religious significance as it is the abode of Lord Shiva.Ruchi Mahajanзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн