The Elephanta Caves , located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, about 11 Km off the coast of the Gateway of India, Mumbai, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to these caves, excavated probably in the 6 th century CE, is awe-inspiring, and also thought-provoking. Over the years, I have visited the caves a number of times, and also attended a number of talks by experts in the fields of art, history and archaeology on the caves. Together, they help me understand these caves, their art, and the people they were created for, just a little bit better. Every new visit, every new talk, every new article I read about the caves, fleshes out the image of what the island and the caves would have been like, at their peak. I last wrote about the caves on this blog, in 2011, almost exactly 11 years ago. Since then, my understanding of the caves has, I would like to think, marginally improved. Hence this attempt to write a new and updated post, trying to bring to life, the caves of Elephan
Hi folks, I’m back!!!!! And with lots of material for more posts!!!! Those of you who have been looking forward to reading my posts, here is a glimpse of what you can expect to read in the coming days –
1. A little about the temples of Trivandrum – little, because cameras were not allowed, and I felt totally lost without my trusty Canon around, besides, the language was a major barrier between me and the priests…
2. A lot about the museum and zoo – mom and son totally freaked out for 2 ½ hours, while dad fumed in the auto……
3. Poovar – a heavenly island nested between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea… 4 days of total relaxation…..
4. Thekkady – 3 days of trying to keep Samhith amused – in what is now a bustling tourist hangout on the outskirts of a tiger reserve (where tigers are truly elusive)
5. Kalady – an unplanned visit to a beautiful temple – the birthplace of the foremost of the gurus of our age – Adi Shankaracharya
6. The consequences of the unplanned visit – a race against time – a real adventure in the midst of a staid holiday
7. Puttaparthi – Prashanti Nilayam– the abode of Sri Sathya Sai – something I have been planning to write for a while – hope I actually get it down this time.
8. Tirupati – surely the most crowded, the most visited and most popular of all religious destinations …. So not the usual boring details, but details of the pujas we performed… and information for those who would like to perform the same…….
9. Some temples around Tirupati – Note: some, not all….. just those that we visited this time…. And sorry again…. No photographs… wish our temple authorities wouldn’t separate me from my most trusted companion… one who gives me lots of information to share with you………
10. And finally, some assorted glimpses of my journey…… we have used up every mode of transport this time……..
Meanwhile, I am writing this in peace, because Samhith is out again, on another journey – this time with his dad and grandma, while I stay at home with grandpa, who is busy with work…. Now, they are off to Dwaraka and Somnath with some relatives visiting us, who have a major language problem……. Yes, you guessed right… they are from the southern heartland and can’t understand a word of Hindi…… And after all, it is fair isn’t it? Mom and son have had a wonderful 15 days… now it is just 4 days with grandma and dad!!!! But you know what, guys???? I’m already missing him!!!!!!!!!!
1. A little about the temples of Trivandrum – little, because cameras were not allowed, and I felt totally lost without my trusty Canon around, besides, the language was a major barrier between me and the priests…
2. A lot about the museum and zoo – mom and son totally freaked out for 2 ½ hours, while dad fumed in the auto……
3. Poovar – a heavenly island nested between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea… 4 days of total relaxation…..
4. Thekkady – 3 days of trying to keep Samhith amused – in what is now a bustling tourist hangout on the outskirts of a tiger reserve (where tigers are truly elusive)
5. Kalady – an unplanned visit to a beautiful temple – the birthplace of the foremost of the gurus of our age – Adi Shankaracharya
6. The consequences of the unplanned visit – a race against time – a real adventure in the midst of a staid holiday
7. Puttaparthi – Prashanti Nilayam– the abode of Sri Sathya Sai – something I have been planning to write for a while – hope I actually get it down this time.
8. Tirupati – surely the most crowded, the most visited and most popular of all religious destinations …. So not the usual boring details, but details of the pujas we performed… and information for those who would like to perform the same…….
9. Some temples around Tirupati – Note: some, not all….. just those that we visited this time…. And sorry again…. No photographs… wish our temple authorities wouldn’t separate me from my most trusted companion… one who gives me lots of information to share with you………
10. And finally, some assorted glimpses of my journey…… we have used up every mode of transport this time……..
Meanwhile, I am writing this in peace, because Samhith is out again, on another journey – this time with his dad and grandma, while I stay at home with grandpa, who is busy with work…. Now, they are off to Dwaraka and Somnath with some relatives visiting us, who have a major language problem……. Yes, you guessed right… they are from the southern heartland and can’t understand a word of Hindi…… And after all, it is fair isn’t it? Mom and son have had a wonderful 15 days… now it is just 4 days with grandma and dad!!!! But you know what, guys???? I’m already missing him!!!!!!!!!!
Looking forward to your experiences on all the interesting places listed in your journey.
ReplyDeleteOh I cant wait to read more now...
ReplyDeleteI've been to Tirupati and its surrounding temples as a kid and vaguely remember anything. So cant wait to read more!!
Also.. am extremely interested in Poovar... Sounds great!
Anu, you have literally gone all over Southern India. I m sure we will get some comprehensive experiences. Do keep me posted.
ReplyDelete