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
Here is another Ganesha from Chedda Nagar - and Samhith's favourite so far....
The idol is a replica of Ganesha as he appears in the animated movie for kids - Bal Ganesh. Not surprisingly, I wasn't able to identify the character, while Samhith did. We had to ask the organisers for confirmation, which resulted in a lot of amusement for all of them, but was worthwhile, since Samhith is thrilled that he was correct!
Kids somehow have that extra eye of details! This Ganesha looks very nice!
ReplyDeleteI can almost imagine Samhith's face all joy that he knew whereas mom didn't!
ReplyDeleteOh lovely... This is super cute!! I can see Samhiths excitement.. at knowing something more than you.. :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mridula. Can so imagine Samhith glee and expression at knowing more than you :D but Anu, I'm suprised you didn't place it. Those animated Ganesha toys and stuff are all over the place. How come Samhith doesn't have one?
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