Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Elephanta Caves
One of the major attractions of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves are situated
near the metropolitan city of Mumbai. The Elephanta island is located 10 km away
from the Gateway of India. There are various rock cut temples present in these
caves, which are as old as 5th century.
The Elephanta island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an
elephant near the landing area of the island.
Elephanta Caves - Construction of The Caves
The rock cut temples in Elephanta caves are carved out of rock. There are
columns, internal spaces and images within these temples. The entire temple is
related to a large sculpture. In fact one can walk through the corridors and
chambers of this sculptured temple. Created through a process of rock removal,
the entire complex is an interesting monument. Some of the rock surfaces here
are finely finished whereas some are unfinished bare rock.
The Elephanta rock caves are sprawled over a large area of about 60000 square
feet. These temple caves consist of a main chamber, courtyards and several
subsidiary shrines. There is also a mass of natural rock, above the temple.
There are three entrances to the temple. The eastern and the western
entrances mark the axis of the temple. There is a 20 pillared hall that lines
the axis, and on its western end is a cell in which a Shivalingam enshrined.
The Mystical Images
The magnificent image of Sadasiva, a manifestation of Shiva, is carved in
relief at the end of the north south axis. The stupendous 20 feet high image of
the three headed Shiva, known as Trimurthy is a magnificent one. It is regarded
as a masterpiece of Indian art. This huge image represents Panchamukha Shiva,
whose only three faces are carved into the wall. It attracts your attention just
as you enter the temple through the northern entrance.
Along with this image there are grand sculptured images of Kalyanasundara,
Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma Maheswara on the southern wall. Other
sculptured images of Nataraja and andhakaasuravadamoorthy are to the west of the
northern entrance and the images of Yogiswara and Ravanaanugrahamurthy are to
its east.
