Elephanta

/ˌɛləˈfɑːntə/ noun

Definition

A sacred island near Mumbai, India, famous for its ancient rock-cut Hindu and Buddhist temples with elaborate stone sculptures.

Etymology

The Portuguese named the island 'Elephanta' (likely due to a stone elephant sculpture they found), though locals traditionally called it Gharapuri. The name stuck despite the removal of the iconic elephant.

Kelly Says

Elephanta Island's cave temples contain some of the finest examples of 6th-century Hindu sculpture, including a stunning 20-foot Shiva face that demonstrates how ancient sculptors used cave geology as part of their artistic vision!

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