About 11 nautical miles from the
Mumbai coastline, in the north- west direction, lie three small villages of Elephanta or Gharapuri Island. The caves of Elephanta are located on Elephanta island, easily accessible by launch from Mumbai. The cave temples are dedicated to
Lord Shiva and open on three sides, letting in light from many angles, making the sculptures seem to move with the changing angles of light. The plan of the temple is symmetrical, with important focal points worked out in a geometrical mandala, the magical design that represents an energy field.
