Interior of the Main Hall
Captured from the eastern entrance of Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), this image shows part of the mantapa of the Main Hall. Check View of the Interior from the Western Entrance for a view from the opposite end.
The Main Hall is divided into six aisles, each roughly 16 ft deep, formed along the east-west axis by rows of pillars arranged in a grid-like pattern. Notice the massive stone beams connecting the pillars. These beams mark the boundaries between the aisles and help define the layout of the hall.
Only three of the six aisles — the third, fourth, and fifth from the north — are visible in this image. Together, they form a rectangular Central Hall (sabhamantapa), with the inner sanctum (garbhagriha) situated toward its western side (i.e., at the far end of the image). This space served as the principal congregational area where devotees would gather for worship and religious ceremonies.
As seen in the image, each pillar appears to have been designed with aesthetics in mind. Although no two pillars are exactly alike, most follow a similar overall design. Each free-standing pillar consists of a square base surmounted by a vase-like circular element. Above this rises a cushion-shaped capital, one of the most distinctive features of Elephanta’s architectural style.
Adding to the beauty of the pillars is the fluting—narrow vertical grooves carved into the surfaces of both the vase-like element and the capital. Small sculpted figures are carved at the corners of the upper portion of the base, although many have been damaged or weathered over the centuries.
As mentioned above, at the far end is an entrance to the inner sanctum, which is square in plan and has entrances on the other three cardinal directions as well. More details about the sanctum are available on these pages: East-Facing Entrance to the Inner Sanctum and Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha.
It is believed that the weathered ceiling of the cave was once covered with colorful paintings, possibly similar in style to the murals of the Ajanta Caves. Although these paintings have largely disappeared, historical accounts and surviving traces suggest that the cave interior may once have been richly decorated, adding color and vibrancy to its already impressive sculptural and architectural features.
Related Images
– View of the Interior from the Western Entrance
– East-Facing Entrance to the Inner Sanctum
– Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha
Explore More About Elephanta
– Elephanta Caves
– Elephanta Main Cave, 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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