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
.........is gold.
One of the richest Ganeshas in Mumbai, this is the GSB Ganpati at Wadala Ram Mandir.
As is common in most traditional Ganesha Pandals all over Mumbai, the Ganesha idol made for this Pandal is made the same way every year. Everything is a constant, from the size and the shape to the gold coverings. Of course, every year there are additions to the gold offered to the deity, which is why you can see necklaces hanging everywhere.Thousands flock to this temple during Ganesh Chaturthi to pray and make offerings. Various havans and pujas are conducted, and thousands are fed. They also perform a lot of social activities from the money collected.
There are two other GSB Ganeshas in Mumbai - one at the SNDT college and one at Kurla. While the SNDT one is as acclaimed as the Wadala one, they did not allow me to take photos this year. However, here is a pic of the Kurla one. This Ganesha is located in the Venkateswara temple in Kurla West, very near the station.
One of the richest Ganeshas in Mumbai, this is the GSB Ganpati at Wadala Ram Mandir.
As is common in most traditional Ganesha Pandals all over Mumbai, the Ganesha idol made for this Pandal is made the same way every year. Everything is a constant, from the size and the shape to the gold coverings. Of course, every year there are additions to the gold offered to the deity, which is why you can see necklaces hanging everywhere.Thousands flock to this temple during Ganesh Chaturthi to pray and make offerings. Various havans and pujas are conducted, and thousands are fed. They also perform a lot of social activities from the money collected.
There are two other GSB Ganeshas in Mumbai - one at the SNDT college and one at Kurla. While the SNDT one is as acclaimed as the Wadala one, they did not allow me to take photos this year. However, here is a pic of the Kurla one. This Ganesha is located in the Venkateswara temple in Kurla West, very near the station.
Wow, beautiful!! :))
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I too have been frequenting these Ganeshas as I used to be at Mumbai during that period. (Not this year)
ReplyDeleteRich Ganeshas!!! :-)
ReplyDeletequite informative
ReplyDeleteNice pictures Anu.
ReplyDeleteAnu... How are you doing?? I was waiting for this post from you?? Only two pics... ??
ReplyDeleteHope you had a fabulous celebration at home..
Wonderful!
ReplyDelete@Aarti: thanks a lot!
ReplyDelete@PN Subramanian:Ganesh chaturthi in bbay is unforgettable...i just wish i could visit more ganeshas as i used to, earlier...
@Chitra: absolutely!! and there are so many like ths now!
@budh.aah: thanks and welcome here...
@Mridula: thanks...
@Patty: thanks so much! guess you missed the earlier post where i had posted more pics.. take a look...
@Joy: thanks..