Doorway to the Garbhagriha
This image shows the entrance to the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of Cave 3. Situated at the center of the rear wall of the mukhamantapa (portico), the doorway is one of the cave’s finest surviving architectural features. Its frame is richly ornamented with multiple recessed bands, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship achieved by the Elephanta sculptors.
In front of the doorway is a chandrashila (“moon stone”), a semicircular carved stone set at the threshold. In Indian temple architecture, the chandrashila marks the transition from the secular space of the hall to the sacred interior of the shrine. Worshipers would traditionally step over this sacred threshold before entering the garbhagriha.
Flanking the doorway are two giant dvarapalas (door guardians), carved in high relief to protect the sanctity of the shrine. Above them are graceful Vidyadhara couples, celestial beings shown flying through the heavens while carrying garlands in honor of Shiva. The doorway leads into the shrine, which originally enshrined a Shiva Linga; today, only the pedestal (pitha) remains.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) attributes the sculptural decoration of the doorway to the Rashtrakuta period, suggesting that the shrine may have been decorated during a later phase of activity at Elephanta.
Cave 3 pages
1. Façade and Entrance
2. Doorway to the Garbhagriha
3. Pedestal of the Shiva Linga
4. Northern Hall
5. Southern Wall
Explore More About Elephanta
– Elephanta Caves
– Elephanta Main Cave
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
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
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– 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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