Three Headed Shiva
The best example of Indian rock-cut architecture can be seen in Maharashtra at Elephanta. There is very little inscriptional evidence to inform us of the intent and purpose of the Shiva temple built here. The shrine is nearly square and is planned like a cross with four projecting sides and an inner hall of pillars. At the western end of the shrine are the sanctum having dvarapalas. Moving from the north side entrance, the first image is of Natraj. And on the left-hand side of the eastern entrance is a depiction of Shiva and his wife Parvati, playing dice together on Mount Kailash.
The central image on the south side is the most celebrated sculpture huge 5.54 meters (triple-headed), Trimurti bust of Shiva of Elephanta- -a Mahadev, the great God. The one facing east has a wild and angry expression with a grim mustache and emblems of death – the skull ornament and snakes in his matted locks. The opposite face is like the Ardhanareshvara figure. The central face is calm and meditative.
