2020-01-03 Fri

Elephanta caves are designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Elephanta caves; are predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

The Trimurti Shiva of Elephantacaves are the master-piece and the most important sculpture in the caves. The Trimurti Shiva is also called Sadashiva and Maheshmurti. The three heads of Shiva represent three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, protection, and destruction. The three heads of Shiva also symbolize compassion and wisdom. The right half-face symbolizes Hindu God Brahma, the creator of Uma and Vamadeva, it is the feminine side of Shiva and creator.

It holds a lotus bud, which represents Promise and life, and creativity. The left face is known as Rudra-Shiva, the Destroyer. This is Shiva as the terrifying Aghora or Bhairava, the chaos creator and destroyer. The center face represents the god Vishnu. It is the "master of positive and negative principles of existence and preserver of their harmony".

Image Courtesy: colnect.com