Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the West Wing shrine in Elephanta Cave 1 showing the Shiva Linga and rock-cut doorway
Garbhagriha
The image shows the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the West Wing shrine carved into the rear wall of the West Wing.
As seen in the image, a small Shiva Linga placed on a squarish pedestal stands at the center of the enclosure of the inner sanctum. The pedestal is inserted into an altar-like structure hewn directly from the rock. The linga and its pedestal appear to have been carved from a different stone and later installed here.
Viewed from the doorway, the sanctum enclosure has thick walls, and two distinct recessed bands surround the entrance to form the door frame.
On each side of the doorway stands a large dvarapala (door keeper), guarding the entrance to the sacred space (see the Front View of the West Wing image).
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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