About an hours ride from the famous Gateway to India is the Island of Elephanta, famous for its unique cave temple, whose massive Shiva sculpture is one of the best examples of Hindu architecture you'll find. The main cave is famous for its carvings to the glory of Shiva, exalted in various forms and actions.
The ferry ride there is a hoot, a welcome relief from the heat of the city, and filled with just as many locals as tourists. Once on island, a short trainride takes you to the start of the temple walk.
You can hoof it up the imposing set of stairs to the temple, or hitch a ride with local transport.
Vendors provide local refreshment and snacks {no I'm not that crazy}. Remember peel it, boil it or forget it!
It's hard to get a sense of the massive impact of these sculptures from the photos. The cave and statues are enormous.
Inside, the massive columns carved out of solid rock lead you through a dizzying array of tributes to Shiva, one of the most important gods of the Hindu religion. This eighth century cave is just one excellent example of the opportunities Mumbai offers to walk back into another century and imagine times gone by.
I find the contrasts in India one of the things I love most about it. Riding back, I caught this visual of a primitive anchor surrounded by recycled plastic railing. Looking like barbed wire, it was sure to keep you from going overboard. All the while the captain is talking away on his shiny new cell phone, listening to music from Rhinna. A perfect example of the many centuries still at work in everyday India.
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