The Elephanta Caves (Marathi: घारापुरीच्या लेण्या, Gharapuri Lenya) are located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, some 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai (Bombay) itself, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, has two groups of caves, a large group of five Hindu caves and a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The former caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva.
The rock cut architecture of the caves has been identified as belonging to the period between 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is a subject of debate. The main cave, Cave 1 or the Great Cave, was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule (1534–1661), when the caves also suffered severe damage. After years of neglect, the main cave was renovated in 1970s. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
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