Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha
Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha
Captured from the north-facing entrance of the garbhagriha, this image shows the Shiva linga within the inner sanctum (garbhagriha), which is a Sarvatobhadra shrine (Sanskrit: sarvatobhadra), meaning “auspicious on all sides.” The sanctum 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.
As seen in the image, the Shiva Linga stands at the center of the garbhagriha, mounted on a square pitha (pedestal) measuring approximately 9 ft on each side and about 3 ft high.
The Linga consists of two parts: an upper cylindrical portion, approximately 3 ft high, and a lower square section. The lower section is not fully visible because it is firmly embedded within the pitha. Unlike the surrounding cave architecture, which was carved directly from the living basalt rock, the Linga itself does not appear to have been carved from the same stone. Instead, it seems to have been sculpted from a harder, darker stone and subsequently installed within the shrine.
Related Images
– Elephanta Cave 1: East-Facing Entrance to the Inner Sanctum
– Elephanta Cave 1: Interior of the Main Hall
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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