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The Elephanta Caves

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
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Visiting the Matunga Ganpatis

Matunga is a place closely associated with South Indians living in Mumbai. I remember braving the train crowds as a child, visiting Matunga to see the Ganpatis, and especially the serial lights strung up all along the roads. I was then brought here by my uncle. Later, as I studied at Ruia College, I no longer needed anyone to accompany me. The ten days of the festival used to be busy ones for me, as I explored every lane looking for some interesting Ganeshas or at least some interesting decorations. Time has moved swiftly since then, and now, I take Samhith along to show him the Ganeshas I have enjoyed watching for so many years! 



We headed towards Matunga yesterday evening, and over 4 hours, managed to see quite a few. Some were simple, some elaborate, but we enjoyed watching all of them. Even the fact that we spent almost 2 of those 4 hours  in a bus, stuck in traffic did not deter us in our enjoyment! Come along with me as I re-live the Matunga Ganpati experience.....

Our favourite - the flower market Ganesha

This one wasnt the main idol,
but the smaller one used for the puja.
We loved it though! 

The Pramanik Ganesha was celebrating 50 Years!

Once called commonly the 'Varadarajan Ganpati',
the story  got Samhith interested in this simple idol!
(For those who dont know , this Ganpati was started by a local don!)



Yes, there is no Ganpati here, but this arrangement was in front of the Ganesha above.
What you can see are thin  threads strung between two posts,
and water trickles down them, giving the appearance of a water curtain!


The main ganesha was simple,
but surrounded by such beautiful specimens in brass!


The Ganpati outside Ruia.... with its message below..
The common man's trials and tribulations from Pre-Independence to now!


Another depiction of Samarth Ramdas and Shivaji


Finally, one of the richest Ganpatis in Mumbai - GSB Wadala
And yes, all that glitters is gold here!!
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Location: Matunga East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Comments

  1. Sridharan SrinivasanSeptember 8, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    Lovely .. It must have been a wonderful sight..!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anu ShankarSeptember 8, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Oh yes, it was! the ganpatis are the same every year, but we still love to go and see them!

    ReplyDelete
  3. teamgsquareSeptember 8, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Wonderful celebrations ...

    ReplyDelete
  4. smSeptember 8, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    beautiful pics

    ReplyDelete
  5. PradeepaSeptember 9, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Wow, what grand decorations.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Indrani GhoseSeptember 9, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Reminds me of our Durga Puja, visiting many pandals.
    Great glimpses. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. chitraSeptember 9, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    There is a lot to be see and enjoy here during the festival season Anu. Your  enthusiasm in capturing the events braving the crowd and rain etc. is great. Love all Ganeshas thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anu ShankarSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Oh Yes, Team G Square!! we really look forward to this one!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anu ShankarSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Thanks sm!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anu ShankarSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    They are always very elaborate, Pradeepa! the decorations change from year to year... earlier, the flower market ganpati used to be entirely made of flowers, but the result used to be different every time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anu ShankarSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Yes, Indrani! I guess its our equivalent of the Durga Puja!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anu ShankarSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    Chitra, this is probably the biggest festival celebrated here, rich and poor alike... in spite of getting commercialized, its still a wonderful experience!

    ReplyDelete
  13. MemoriesandsuchOctober 3, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    I reached your blog while surfing through the net and enjoyed reading the posts. I used to live near Matunga before I moved post marriage and this post brought back so many memories. Thanks for all the pictures. I always miss Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai and although late, this post made me miss my Mumbai that bit less

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  14. Anu ShankarOctober 3, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Thanks so much! glad i could bring the festival closer to you...... and hope you keep coming back here for more :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Chirag LimbadFebruary 18, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    hi 
    next time please visit Anmol Group Ganeash Utsav, its in Shankar Mattham Lane

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anu ShankarFebruary 23, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    Sure, Chirag... i guess I would have seen it sometime... just havent noticed the name!

    ReplyDelete

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