Entrance to the East Wing
Captured from the eastern entrance of the Main Hall, this image shows the façade and entrance to the East Wing of Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1). Carved directly into the basalt hillside, it is the only entrance to the shrine and blends naturally with the surrounding rock.
The rectangular façade, approximately 50 feet wide, is supported by six pillars. Unlike the more weathered pillars at the eastern and northern entrances of the main hall, these appear smoother because they are modern reconstructions that replaced the original damaged pillars using contemporary restoration techniques.
The East Wing shares a common courtyard with the eastern entrance of the Main Hall. Check the image Eastern Courtyard with the Main Hall and East Wing Entrances. Unlike the relatively plain adhiṣṭhāna (temple base) of the main hall, the adhiṣṭhāna of the East Wing is more elaborate and consists of four distinct levels.
The lowest level is a thin base featuring a chandrashila — a decorative semicircular slab — at its center. Above it is a narrow terrace reached by a single step. The third level, another thin terrace set slightly higher than the others, is approached by a beautifully designed flight of steps rising from the second level. The fourth and uppermost level forms the actual platform of the shrine and stands one step above the third level.
Like the Main Hall, the East Wing is also a shrine dedicated to Shiva and has an inner sanctum housing a Shiva Linga. Notice the circular platform in the courtyard, which would traditionally support a statue of Nandi, Shiva’s vahana (vehicle).
Explore More About Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– The Smaller Caves of Elephanta: Caves 2, 3, 4, and 5
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
Explore Badami Caves
– 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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