Elephanta Caves - Shiva Carving - Mumbai, India
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GT.US
N 18° 57.780 E 072° 55.923
43Q E 282262 N 2098010
India 1949. Elephanta Caves - Trimurti. Scott # 209. The text immediately beneath Shiva's head reads TRIMURTI.
Waymark Code: WM5WFQ
Location: India
Date Posted: 02/20/2009
Views: 13
The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Elephanta (Hindi Gharapuri), small island, western India, in Mumbai Harbor, between Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and the mainland. It contains rice fields and stone quarries.
The island is famous for six 8th-century temple caves carved out of rock and containing sculptured figures of Hindu deities. The Great Cave is supported by pillars cut out of the rock and is 40 m (130 ft) long, 40 m (130 ft) wide, and 5 m (18 ft) high.
Image by courtesy of Mr. Venkat Tata (India) on listed web page.
In the center of the cave is a striking three-headed bust representing the Hindu gods Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer.
Compartments surrounding the bust contain more religious sculptures. The European name of the island is derived from a large stone elephant that once stood near the landing place.
Stamp Issuing Country: India
Date of Issue: 1949
Denomination: 9p
Color: Green
Stamp Type: Single Stamp
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
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