Northern Hall
This image shows the northern hall of Cave 3, located at the northern end of the mukhamantapa (entrance hall). The hall is raised approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) above the floor of the portico and is reached by a short flight of rock-cut steps at its center.
Its rectangular façade is supported by four pillars and two pilasters, following the typical architectural style seen throughout the Elephanta caves. Unlike the Main Cave (Cave 1), however, this hall contains no sculptural panels, reliefs, or decorative carvings. Instead, the rear (northern) wall contains a series of rock-cut chambers, the purpose of which remains uncertain.
The pillars differ from those of the entrance façade in both form and ornamentation. Instead of square bases, they have hexagonal bases, while their cylindrical shafts and cushion capitals are fluted. This variation in pillar design demonstrates that the artisans employed more than one architectural style within the same cave.
The purpose of this elevated hall remains uncertain, and no archaeological evidence conclusively identifies its original function.
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
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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