The Three-faced Shiva statue, the centerpiece of the Elephanta Caves, is very popular among tourists
The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mumbai, are a collection of rock-cut temples primarily dedicated to Shiva. While the caves also house lingams and carvings of other Hindu deities, they now feel more like relics of the past rather than active places of worship.
Most visitors here are Indians, likely Hindu, yet I saw no one stopping to pray. The atmosphere felt unmistakably touristic, with people exploring the site in a leisurely, sightseeing manner rather than engaging in religious rituals.
Even in front of the caves' most famous attraction—the massive three-faced statue of Shiva—there were no devotees offering prayers. Instead, the crowd was preoccupied with taking photos, adjusting their angles and poses to capture the best shot. The security guards, rather than enforcing any sacred decorum, were surprisingly accommodating—some even offering smartphone camera tips to help visitors get better pictures in the dimly lit cave.
Once a center of devotion, this ancient temple complex has now transformed into a historical landmark, its significance shifting from a place of worship to a site of cultural curiosity. The contrast between past and present was striking.
| Mar 2025 INDIA PEOPLE | |
| DEITY FACE MUMBAI RUINS STATUE TOURIST ATTRACTION WORLD HERITAGE SITE |
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PHOTO DATA
No
12826
Shooting Date
May 2024
Posted On
March 6, 2025
Modified On
March 9, 2025
Place
Mumbai, India
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
SONY ALPHA 7R V
Lens
ZEISS BATIS 2/40 CF
