Façade and Entrance
This image shows the east facing façade of Cave 4, one of the five cave temples dedicated to Shiva at Elephanta. Unlike the Main Cave and Cave 3, there is little evidence of extensive reconstruction, allowing visitors to appreciate both the original architecture and the effects of time on the monument.
Excavated directly into the basalt hillside, the cave follows a symmetrical plan centered on the garbhagriha (sanctum). The doorway to the garbhagriha is richly decorated with recessed bands. Unlike Cave 3, where only the pedestal survives, the Shiva Linga remains intact within the sanctum. As in the other Shiva temples at Elephanta, the entrance to the sanctum is flanked by two giant dvarapalas (door keepers). According to the ASI, these carvings exhibit a distinct influence of Gupta art and are therefore stylistically dated to the 6th century CE.
Cave 4 is also more symmetrical in plan than Cave 3. Flanking the mukhamantapa (portico) on both the north and south sides are subsidiary halls. The southern hall appears to have suffered the greatest damage, with only a single pillar still standing. Based on the surviving architectural remains, it most likely originally consisted of two pillars flanked by pilasters at either end. The northern hall has likewise sustained considerable damage, with single pilaster and two collapsed pillars are still visible. It is likely that both halls were originally similar in design to the raised northern hall of Cave 3.
Like Cave 3, Cave 4 also contains a small chamber on either side of the garbhagriha. The door frames and lintels of these chambers are richly decorated with beautiful carvings.
Cave 4 images
– Façade and Entrance
– Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum)
– Shiva Linga
– Remains of the Northern Hall
– Rock-Cut Chamber in the Portico Wall
Explore More About Elephanta
– Elephanta Caves
– Elephanta Main Cave
– The Mystery of Elephanta Cave 2
– How to Reach Elephanta Caves
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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