Well you better not bring food to Elephanta Island or you may be swarmed with monkeys. Before you go to Elephanta Island pick the best Bombay restaurant you can find. After having a wonderful curry dish head over to the must see Gateway of India. This is one of Mumbai’s most famous sights. A massive monument Arch to commemorate the triumphant visit of King George V and Queen Mary. With very detailed lattice work of basalt stone this is the symbol of victory.  Here is were you can by your tickets, walk down the steps to the waters edge for a boat ride of the natural harbor. One of the many rides of course, take you to Elephanta Island.

So quiet with the sound of monkeys wrestling in the trees you will find the entry to the caves on the north entrance to a large hall. The hall is supported by large pillers which is were the massive Mahesamurti statue is kept. This 18 ft. sculpture is Shiva in his three head pose. Shivas is known to be the Creator which is the head facing right, the protector which is the face in the center and the Destroyer which is the head facing left. Other sculptures near by are all of Shivas contributing to different things. He brings down the Ganges River to Earth. He is shown as both male and female which symbolized the unity of opposites.

The sculptures and artists of this area are believed to date back to the 17th century. Know one knows who they are. They have remained anonymous over the centuries. The Portuguese seem to have made last main statement. They are the ones who named the island after they found a large statue of an Elephant. This statue fell at one point and was taken off for repair. One can now find it at the Victoria Gardens where it was reassembled. Sadly, the Portuguese had no regard for the spiritual statues and used them as target practice. So take care when visiting this wonderful cultural island. It would be a shame to loose any more history.

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