Linga Shrine

Cave temple of Shiva
Elephanta Island

The linga shrine in the cave temple of Shiva is unusual in having four entrances, one at each compass point. Beautiful dvarapalas guard the entrance openings. Although detached from the walls, the shrine is, like everything else in the cave, cut from a matrix of living rock.

Extensive damage to the guardians and other sculptures was caused, it is said, by the Portuguese. However, more than enough remains to justify the general opinion that the sculpture here is among the finest in India.