Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha
Captured from the north-facing entrance of the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), this image shows the Shiva Linga within the 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 Shiva 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 Main Cave: Interior of the Main Hall
– Shiva Linga within the Garbhagriha
– Elephanta Main Cave: East-Facing Entrance to the Inner Sanctum
Explore More About Elephanta Caves
– Cave Temples of Elephanta
– 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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