Gharapuri

Gharapuri is a small island in Mumbai Harbour, off the coast of Mumbai, in Maharashtra, India. It is best known as the site of the Elephanta Caves, a network of rock-cut temples dating from the 5th to 8th centuries CE. The island’s ancient name, Gharapuri, is often understood to mean “the city of caves” in the local language, reflecting its archaeological significance. In the 16th century, Portuguese sailors renamed the site Elephanta after a large stone elephant statue found on the island; the name Elephanta continues to be used for the caves and the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Architecture and sculpture: The Elephanta Caves consist of seven cave-temples carved into a hillside of basalt. The Great Cave, Cave 1, is the centerpiece and houses the monumental Maheshmurti, a three-faced (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) depiction of Shiva. The complex also includes sculptures representing Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, and other Hindu iconography associated with Shaivism. The layout features a combination of mandapas (halls), a sanctum, and richly carved pillars, illustrating a distinctive phase of Indian rock-cut temple architecture.

Location and access: The island lies a short ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The site is a protected monument and a major tourist destination, with visitor access managed to preserve the carvings. There is a small settlement on the island serving maintenance and visitors, and entry to the cave complex is ticketed.

Conservation: Elephanta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its high artistic and historical value. Ongoing preservation efforts address issues such as weathering, vegetation, and the impact of tourism, coordinated by the Archaeological Survey of India and state authorities.