difference between ellora and elephanta caves

[34] Between them stands a gana (dwarf jester) expressing confused panic as to whether Shiva will be able to contain the mighty river goddess. The shrine door has some traces of sculpture. Ajanta/ ellora needs at least a weekend. Although the tourism department is trying to develop Elephanta island in a way appropriate for a world heritage site, rehabilitation of the shopkeepers is proving to be a major roadblock. I visited this WHS in November 2016. The. Elephanta main cave plan. The incredible Kailasa Temple (also known as the Kailasha Temple), which forms Cave 16 at Ellora, is undoubtedly the most famous attraction. 15. He sits on a lotus with a stalk shown as if coming out of the earth, his legs are crossed symmetrically. The Ellora Caves are located in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India: What to Know Before You Go - TripSavvy But that was about it. One wears a dhoti and has a looped girdle, while holding a conch at an angle near his thigh. The front left hand is broken, while a large part of the lower half of the panel was damaged at some point. The eastern hill has two Buddhist mounds and is called the Stupa hill. 4. 9. Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota Corolla - Compare Ratings and Reliability On the west, the hill rises gently from the sea and stretches east across the ravine and rises gradually to the extreme east to a height of 173m (568ft). They established a base on the island. Ajanta Ellora Caves: All You Need To Know Before Your Trip In 2023 Landing quays sit near three small hamlets known as Set Bunder in the north-west, Mora Bunder in the northeast, and Gharapuri or Raj Bunder in the south. It is the abstract unmanifest symbol of Shiva in union with the Yoni, and the symbol of Parvati together symbolising the creative source and the regenerative nature of existence. The caves are an expression of art and a number of important imageries are sculpted here, which include 'Trimurti' or three-headed Shiva, 'Gangadhar' which is a manifestation of the river Ganga as she descends to the earth and 'Ardhnareshwar', which is a representation of Shiva and Parvati in the same body. The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until the Portuguese arrived, whereupon the island ceased to be an active place of worship. Below the mountain surface is shown the demon-king Ravana is seen with a few arms, trying to unsuccessfully shake Shiva and Parvati in Mount Kailash. Shiva-Parvati, Mount Kailash The trip took exactly one hour to reach the island passed many navy bases, cargo ports, petroleum jetties and a nuclear power plant, if not because of UNESCO protection, I believe Elephanta Island will be a part of Mumbai electrical grid production. Cave 6 is historically significant because it was converted and used as a Christian church by the Portuguese in the later years when the island was a part of their colony (at some point between 1534 and 1682).[74][75]. has identified thirty-four caves at Ellora carved into an exposure of. [64][65] According to Sara L. Schastok, the Skanda in the east shrine of Elephanta Cave 1 is significant, just like the one found in Deogarh Hindu temple site, because he is depicted with regalia, weapons and icons similar to Shiva and because he is surrounded by gods and goddesses. Elephanta Caves: Celebrating Shiva Ellora has a total of 34 caves dated between the sixth and eleventh centuries AD, and Ajanta . In Shaivism, the concept pictorially symbolizes the transcendence of all duality including gender, with the spiritual lacking any distinctions, where energy and power (Shakti, Parvati) is unified and is inseparable with the soul and awareness (Brahman, Shiva). :). "[10], The convenient location of these caves near Mumbai (in comparison to other sites that are less well served by Indian travel infrastructure) and Western curiosity for historic Indian culture made Elephanta Caves a subject of numerous guide books and significant scholarly interest in the 20th century. Cave 1 really is impressive and even on its own justifies the inscription on the World heritage list. * : Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 Elephanta Caves Mumbai | Timings, Images, History & Entry Fee @Holidify At their most elaborate, they have a main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards, and subsidiary shrines, but not all are so fully developed. The shrine is a plain room 6m (20ft) deep by 5.7m (19ft) wide with a low altar. [12], 1. By portraying Skanda with Matrikas, he is equated with the Krittikas legend and thereby Kartikeya, and by showing him so prominently centred the artists are likely communicating the unity of Skanda-Shiva, that all these divinities are in essence the same spiritual concept, "all emanations of the lingam at the very heart of Elephanta", according to Schastok. [45] Their dress reflect the Hindu customs. [27] The walls of the mandapa feature other Shaivism legends. The primary cave, numbered as Cave 1, is about 1.0km (0.62mi) up a hillside, facing the Mumbai harbour. Elephanta Caves. Shiva slaying Andhaka The water gets pretty chilly in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Ancient Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India. Eleuthera vs Exuma - Eleuthera Forum - Tripadvisor [73] The sanctum has no remaining image. Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in todays complex world, where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development, unsustainable tourism practices, neglect, natural calamities, pollution, political instability, and conflict. Even the manifested Sadashiva is shown to be rising out of the rocks. The great yogi is being approached by various Vedic and Puranic gods and goddesses, as well as monks and sadhus, yet there is a halo around him that keeps them at bay as if they admire it but do not wish to disturb his meditation. I also opted to pay the extra 10 rupees to stay on the upper deck which is even less crowded and great for taking photos of the Gateway of India. [10][20] However, the artwork reverentially displays themes from Shaktism and Vaishnavism traditions of Hinduism as well. [34], On the wall to the east of the Trimurti is a damaged four-armed Ardhanarishvara carving. [51], The panel facing the Yogishvara, on the west side of the portico next to the north entrance (see 8 on plan) is Shiva as the Nataraja, "cosmic dancer" and "the lord of dancers". basalt. [20][2], The temple is enclosed in the cave, it has interior walls but no exterior wall. The famous Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are a set of ancient rock cave monuments located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state in India. [16][85][86], According to Charles Collins, the significance of the Elephanta Caves is better understood by studying them in the context of ancient and early medieval Hindu literature, as well as in the context of other Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples on the subcontinent. [70] There are two other chambers, one on each side of the shrine. [46] It is also called the Nrittamurti. The second half-man side is Shiva with male characteristics and items iconographically his symbol. This temple is said to have been built during the reign of the Gupta Dynasty. The Yogishvara is seated on a lotus, and near him are two badly defaced characters, possibly one of Parvati and another ascetic. Ajanta, Ellora & Elephanta (Travel Guide) Approach Guides But the centerpiece of the cave was the big statue of three heads Shiva. Left: Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailasha. 10. In 1903, the Hindus petitioned the government to waive this fee, which the British agreed to on three Shiva festival days if Hindus agreed. [17] The earliest efforts to preserve the Elephanta Caves were taken by British India officials in 1909 when the site was placed under the Indian Archaeological Department and the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act included it within its scope. Collection of cave temples in Maharashtra, India, The 5.45 metres (17.9ft) high Trimurti sculpture. The Yogi Shiva is wearing a crown, and once again there is a space of isolation around the meditating yogi in which no other character enters. [21][22], The main cave, also called Cave 1, Grand Cave or the Great Cave, is 39.63 metres (130.0ft) square in plan with a hall (mandapa). A tourist toy train from dock to the Elephanta Caves; a typical boat that runs between, "Long before the Brahmans selected Elephanta for their temple to the Great God, the Hinayana Buddhists came to the island for more or less the same purpose, to raise a monument to the Buddha. It once had a seated Nandi facing the Linga shrine, but its ruins have not been restored. It is a portico with six pillars, and a mandapa with pillars. The Hindu caves are dedicated to the god Shiva. [6][13][14], These date to between the 5th and 9th centuries, and scholars attribute them to various Hindu dynasties. [52], There are fewer gods, goddesses and observers in this panel than others in this cave, with Brahma, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are visible and have a facial expression of being spellbound. 44 Votes The caves are located on the Elephanta Island in the Mumbai harbour. [25] These were badly damaged when the Portuguese ceded control of this region to the British. Overlaid, as if fused, on the architecture of this temple is another open temple aligned to the northsouth direction with three faced Sadashiva as its focal centre. [10][19] The Elephanta island is a protected monument area as per the requirements of UNESCO. However, states Collins, its depth of carving appears inferior and it seems more eroded being more open to rains and water damage. Fumigation for insect eradication within all Ajanta caves and PVA treatment on the wall paintings are being conducted. . The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international communitys efforts to protect and preserve. I immediately followed people to see the cave no.1 which I believed the sole highlight of Elephanta. Close to the five western hill caves, are Cave 6 and 7 on the eastern hill. An alternative interpretation of the three-bodied goddess in Gangadharamurti panel here and elsewhere is that it represents the regenerative powers of rivers in the form of Mandakini, Suradhani and Bhagavati. Archeological studies have uncovered many remains that suggest the small island had a rich cultural past, with evidence of human settlement by possibly the 2nd century BC. The linga shrine is surrounded by a mandapa and circumambulation path (pradakshina-patha) as in other Hindu temples. Unfortunately most of the tall statues were destroyed and only a few are still standing. Below him, under the lotus, are Nagas and several badly damaged figures two of whom are in namaste reverence posture. Mumbai has a major domestic and international airport, as well as is connected to the Indian Railways. [7] He is seated in padmasana lost in his meditation. A toy train is available to take us close to the caves. The water is more shallow in Exuma and that will help somewhat. The eastern hill is also called the Stupa hill, while the western hill is called the Canon hill, reflecting their historic colonial-era names, the ancient Stupa and the Portuguese era firing Canons they host respectively. Babycatcher2, I have to laugh.I'd GLADLY take Washington DC winters over Connecticut ones! Around the Ardhanarishwara are three layers of symbolic characters. Above them are flying apsaras approaching the fused divinity with garlands, music, and celebratory offerings. Fun to read your comparison - thanks for posting it. Little is known about the origin of the Elephanta Caves but they are thought to have been created between 450 and 750 AD when the island was known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves). Elephanta caves History, Timing, How to reach (2022) ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85476467', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bahamas based on when the Bahamas has the best weather, not when you have the least desirable weather at home. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85463116', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Bahamas to go to. Re: Elephanta vs. Ajanta/Ellora Caves. [87][88] The panels and artwork express through their eclecticism, flux and motion the influence of Vedic and post-Vedic religious thought on Hindu culture in mid 1st millennium CE. The rest of the details are blurry and speculative. Should I visit the Ajanta or Ellora Caves? - A Guide to Both Caves [20], The island has two groups of rock-cut caves, hewn from solid basalt rock. The caves are on an island in Mumbai harbour and it was a nice trip out there, it take about an hour each way and boats leave from the Gateway of India. Cave 6 and 7 are about 200m (660ft) northeast of Cave 1 and 2, but geologically on the edge of the eastern hill. [68], To the south-east of the Great Cave is Cave 2. The publication of their condition, sketches and interpretation by James Burgess in 1871 brought wider attention. The central Shiva relief Trimurti is located on the south wall opposite the main entrance. The Elephanta Caves are two groups of caves that contain Hindu and Buddhist rock art architecture. 21 BUR IV.B.43 Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves (India) In view of the information provided by the Secretariat regarding the state of conservation of the Ajanta, Elephanta and Ellora Caves, and taking note with appreciation of the additional information provided by the Observer of India concerning the national and local efforts being made to safeguard these sites, the Bureau expressed its . We picked our first trip to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Portuguese renamed the island Elephanta because of a large stone elephant near the shore. 3,737 - 15,182. On the other hand, Ellora caves reflect the architecture of other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and also Buddhism. Also, my last post is a short comparison of the two locations. [3][16], According to Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO, the site was settled in ancient times and the cave temples were built between 5th and 6th century. 3.190 Average [80], The significant statues of Vishnu are difficult to explain and to position inside other surviving caves. Take the train from Mumbai CST to Santacruz. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. There is no direct connection from Ellora to Elephanta Caves (Station). [64], On the west side of the main hall is another attached shrine, though in a much more ruined state. Fig: Junagadh Caves. One features the abstract, unmanifest, aniconic symbol of Shiva, the other anthropomorphic, manifest, iconic symbol of Shiva. These were regular Hindu places of worship, and during the festival of Shiva still continue to be so. The western face has two panels, one showing another version of Shiva in Yoga (see 14 on plan) and another Nataraja (see 15 on plan). [61] Each door is flanked by two dvarapalas (gate guardians), for a total of eight around the shrine. My ideal climate actually is Wash DC, if the cost of living weren't so high! [12] The basic plan of the cave can be traced back to the plan of the ancient Buddhist viharas, consisting of a square court surrounded by cells, built from about 500 to 600 years before in India. The gods and goddesses shown are identifiable from the vahana (vehicle) and icons, and they include Brahma (left), Indra (left), Vishnu (right), Saraswati, Indrani, Lakshmi, and others. Of these, caves 9 and 10 are stupa containing worship halls of chaitya-griha form, and caves 12, 13, and 15A are viharas. Brahma, the priest, is squatting on the floor to the right tending the yajna fire (agni mandapa). Above him are ruin remains of celestial gods or goddesses or apsaras. The British relied on the port city of Bombay (now Mumbai), which led to it becoming a major urban centre and the migration of Hindus looking for economic opportunities. Yogi Shiva, or Lakulisa, wears a crown here, his chest is shown vaulting forward as if in breathing exercises found in Hindu yoga texts, the face and body expresses different energy. However, Ellora Caves have always had the attention it deserves. Physical prowess: Elephants are active for 18 hours a day and can travel up to 30 miles a day. These were regular Hindu places of worship, and during the festival of Shiva still continue to be . Elephanta Caves| Buddhist Architecture| UPSC Art & Culture Notes - BYJU'S The other characters shown in the wedding carry items or are shown holding items that typically grace a Hindu wedding. The lowest or at the same level as the viewer are human figures oriented reverentially towards the androgyne image. Near Shiva an outline of what may have been Ganesha and Kartikeya are visible. The 50-minute cruise takes you from one world to another. I have been spending part of January in south (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "While the physical endeavor showcased in these caves carving artistic and architectural forms out of solid rock is difficult even to contemplate, the experience of seeing it first hand is indelible. [90] It became a part of the Gujarat Sultanate rulers, who ceded it to the Portuguese merchants in 1534. [52][53] This is an eight-armed depiction of Nataraja. The mother goddess Parvati stands tall next to Shiva, smiling. Not only is it warmer and likely less windy than January, but often overlooked is the extra 2+ hours of daylight in the evening. [33], The Gangadhara image is highly damaged, particularly the lower half of Shiva seen seated with Parvati, who is shown with four arms, two of which are broken. Just above the main images rishi (sages) and a few characters hanging from the ceiling are seen blessing the wedding. Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves | Buddhist Architecture| UPSC Art & Culture The Gangadhara image to the right of the Trimurti shows Shiva and Parvati standing. Nataraja, To reach the main cave, a visitor or pilgrim has to walk up 120 steep steps from the beach or take the tourist toy train. This face is symbolism for Brahma, the creator or Uma or Vamadeva, the feminine side of Shiva and creator. 29 reviews 69 helpful votes Elephanta vs. Ajanta/Ellora Caves 16 years ago Save Hello, I am about to go on my third trip to India. Sadashiva Trimurti It was identified to be Shiva by Pramod Chandra, as Kartikeya by Moti Chandra, and as Vishnu by others. Exuma still remains my happy place but I look forward to more Eleuthera explorations. The front of this cave was completely destroyed and restored in the 1970s with four square pillars. There were many other interesting and beautiful depictions in the caves, and I found the cave to be a great place to revive and test my Hinduism knowledge which I learned from my Indian friend when I was in high school especially the story of Shiva. Another theory by some scholars such as Moti Chandra suggests that the island once had open-air structural Hindu temples in addition to the caves, but these were the first victims of art destruction. The absence of blue colour in the paintings is one of the striking features. [10][20] The three-headed Shiva are his creator, preserver and destroyer aspects in Shaivism. A damaged ornamented drapery covers his lower torso, below the waist. At the main entrance are four pillars, with three open porticoes and an aisle at the back. Forest growth with clusters of mango, tamarind, and karanj trees cover the hills with scattered palm trees. 13. [55] This 6th-century Nataraja shares architectural elements with those found in temples in the western parts of South Asia such as in Gujarat, and in upper Deccan region. [8][9], The Elephanta Caves contain rock-cut stone sculptures, mostly in high relief, that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography. The Portuguese named the island "Elephanta Island" in honour of a huge rock-cut black stone statue of an elephant that was then installed on a mound on the island. [10][20][2] However, inside is an integrated square plan Linga shrine (garbha-griya) that is aligned eastwest, opening to the sunrise. [41][59] The upper scene is Mount Kailash, where Shiva and Parvati are seated. The larger cave on the south side of the west shrine is closed, contains ruins and is bigger than the eastern side shrine. His face here resembles the Tatpurusha, or the manifested form of Shiva that preserves and sustains all of creation, all of creative activity. [43], The niche image carved on the southwest wall, near the Linga shrine (see 6 on plan) is the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. . To the early Buddhists a stupa was an object of supreme veneration" in, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Department of Image Collections, National Gallery of Art Library, Washington, DC, Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, Elephanta Caves: Apolla Bandar Gateway of India, "UNESCO State of Conservation Report: India, Elephanta Caves", Archive of historic Elephanta Caves ruins photographs, Archive of historic Elephanta Caves sketches and paintings, Elephanta Caves Timings & Ferry Timetable, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Elephanta_Caves&oldid=1157244074, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 27 May 2023, at 09:37. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. [43] A hand holds a bowl to collect the blood dripping from the slain Andhaka, which Shaiva legend states was necessary because the dripping blood had the power to become new demons if they got nourished by the ground. The mythology varies significantly in these texts and has been much distorted by later interpolations, but the Elephanta Cave panels represent the narrative version most significant in the 6th century. New grid doors and windows are being installed as preventive measures against entry of bats and birds. [39], The panel in the northwest side of the cave, on the wall near west entrance and the Linga shrine (see 7 in plan), is an uncommon sculpture about the Andhakasura-vadha legend. Steps lead from the four doorways into the sanctum, which has a linga in the mulavigraha style. This is Shiva as the terrifying Aghora or Bhairava, the chaos creator and destroyer. Going to Mumbai for the first time. Vishnu is witness to the marriage, standing tall behind the sitting Brahma on the right side of the panel. These rock-cut cave temples were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. [8] It seems the Buddhists were the first occupants of the island. [7], The groom Shiva is shown calm and young, while Parvati is depicted as shy and emotional. Interview with Dulari Qureshi on the Elephanta caves It is also known as Verul Leni. The difference between Ajanta and Ellora caves is that Ajanta caves reflect the architecture of only Buddhism religion. Cave 1 is the largest and is 39 metres (128ft) deep from the front entrance to the back. After a number of stalls, 5 rupees are collected as local tax and then you have to walk uphill for a while before getting to the Elephanta Caves entrance. Tools The Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site [1] [2] [3]. [4], The Portuguese ceded the island in 1661 to the colonial British, but by then the Caves had seen considerable damage. That elephant now sits in the Jijamata Udyaan zoo in Mumbai. Site and monasteries: Sites: This helped isolate the island and preserve the ruins. thegreattizby, in January, the further south you go the better. Entrances to Ajanta cave have sun-screen curtains to prevent direct sunlight from damaging their wall paintings. [69] At the back of the portico are three chambers. 1. [23] The Cave has several entrances, the main entrance is unassumingly small and hides the grand hall inside. The Cave of Shiva at Elephanta (article) | Khan Academy

East Aurora Wedding Venue, Homestyles Warwick Dining Table, Schneiter's Riverside Golf Course, How To Tell Someone You're Serious About Them, The Life Of Joshua In The Bible, Articles D