Elephanta Caves

These caves contain a collection of rock art dedicated to Shiva

Elephanta Caves

This postcard was sent by Prashanth

Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves — the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.

The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain. - in: wikipedia

Gangadhara Shiva at Elephanta

This postcard was sent by Nagi

Gangadhara, roughly translates the 'Bearer of the Ganges'.
A complex sequence of events led to bringing the heavenly river Ganga (Ganges) to Earth. The only trouble was, should Ganga fall on earth directly, the torrent would shatter earth. Lord Shiva let Ganga fall on his head and wind through the matted locks, before making it flow gently to the earth.
This massive panel located on your immediate right of the Mahesh Murthy panel. This is one of the better survived sculptures of Elephanta panels, probably the only panel with the lower portions are intact. - in: http://elephanta.co.in/gangadhara-at-elephanta