Shiva–Parvati Panel — A Domestic Scene
Carved directly into the southeastern corner of the Main Hall of Elephanta Main Cave (Cave 1), the Shiva–Parvati panel is unusual in that it appears to portray a more intimate and domestic aspect of Shiva and Parvati’s family life, unlike most of the other major reliefs in the Main Cave, which depict specific mythological episodes.
Check the Elephanta Main Cave Ground Plan for the location of this and all the other sculptural panels in the Main Cave. This panel is number 6 in the ground plan.
As seen in the image, this panel is heavily damaged, especially in the lower half. Shiva appears seated at the center, but his face is broken, and only the rear portion of his head and the halo behind it remain partially intact. In contrast, Parvati’s face and upper body are relatively well preserved.
Shiva is shown seated leisurely at the center, while Parvati sits to his left, slightly apart from him, attended by two female companions, each possibly carrying a child. According to the ASI plaque, these children may represent Kartikeya and Ganesha. Parvati’s expression appears affectionate yet somewhat displeased, and her face is turned slightly away from Shiva, perhaps suggesting a domestic interaction between the divine couple rather than a formal religious scene.
Above them are celestial beings, including flying vidyadhara couples, yakshas, gandharvas, and rishis, all witnessing the scene. The large standing figure on the right is believed to represent Surya, the sun god, identified by the lotus flower held in his right hand.
The lower portion of the panel, now mostly damaged, likely once included Nandi and Shiva’s ganas (attendants).
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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