Ajanta & Elephanta Caves

The third is the level of unseen mythological and spiritual attributes. The home of Siva at Elephanta is the center and most powerful of all of the Hindu Siva temples. Architecturally, this temple is more than merely a cave. Although as a cave, it is sound and secure, it is not a cave alone. As well, the temple itself is a masterpiece of art, it cannot be taken out of its own physical context; this would invalidate a good part of the religious power.

Everything about Elephanta promotes an abandoning of an everyday world. Three journeys must be taken in order to approach the temple. A passage across water, a mountain must be climbed, and a cave entered, gives a worshiper the sense of duty and preparation to be in the home of Siva. This is one of the most important factors of the temple. There are Guardians surrounding the temple. No one shall enter the temple who is unworthy. There have been great lengths taken to provide Siva of privacy. Many (mythologically) have entered the temple uninvited, only to be cast out, or destroyed. 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. Toward the west is a square sanctuary detached from the walls. Inside this sanctuary is a monolithic Linga. Panels deeply carved into the walls are located on both side of the three entrances and along the south wall. While all of the texts that I read gave different meanings and terms of the icons and characters on the panels, I will try to convey the scenes of the panels here.

THE AJANTA CAVES
On the banks of the Vagohora river, there are 30 magnificent caves, which are either prayer halls (chaityas) or places of residence for the monks (viharas), and were built to offer seclusion to the Buddhist monks who stayed there. The caves are covered with a rich tapestry of images and paintings, and engravings depicting places, royalty, culture and tales of everyday life in ancient India.

Access: it is 99kms from Aurangabad & is motorable.