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
This little church sits atop a small hillock at Mashobra, surrounded by trees. It is easily reached by a short climb, but we found it almost deserted. From what I have been able to learn, this is the St. Crispin's Church, and it has been converted into a dormitory by the YMCA.
Every time we went for a walk at Mashobra, this church was what loomed over us, beckoning us to visit. Which is why, this is today's post for Skywatch Friday!
For more beautiful skies from around the world, go to the Skywatch Page.
Now how cool it would be to stay in a dorm! Nice click.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mridula! thats something to think of. I cant remember the last time i stayed in a dorm. wonder, does living in one huge room as part of a college trip count?
DeleteVery nice. I bet it is a wonderful dorm!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joyful. Unfortunately, we couldnt go inside, so no idea!
DeleteVery colourful surroundings. Unfortunately it remains disfunctional
ReplyDelete