East-facing entrance to the inner sanctum
East-Facing Entrance to the Inner Sanctum
The image shows the east-facing entrance to the inner sanctum (garbhagriha), which houses the Shiva linga. As seen here, the shrine is approached by a short flight of steps, and the entrance is flanked by large dvarapalas (door guardians), symbolizing the constant protection of the sacred space and the Shiva linga within. The doorway itself is elegantly designed, with multiple recessed frames that enhance its architectural richness.
The inner sanctum is a Sarvatobhadra shrine (Sanskrit: sarvatobhadra), meaning “auspicious on all sides.” It is square in plan and has entrances on all four cardinal directions, allowing devotees to perform pradakshina (circumambulation) and approach the shrine from any direction for worship. This design—a square enclosure with entrances on all four sides—reinforces the concept of Shiva’s all-pervading nature and the universality of his presence.
In contrast, in mantapa-style architecture, such as that seen in the Badami caves, the garbhagriha is located at the rear and typically has a single entrance, making circumambulation within the sanctum impossible. This is a key feature that distinguishes Cave 1 at Elephanta from the Badami cave temples.
Related Pages
– Badami
– Cave Temples of Badami
– Badami Cave 1, Badami Cave 2, Badami Cave 3, Badami Cave 4
– Durga Temple at Aihole
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