Elephanta is about an hour from the Gateway by boat. The island was earlier known as Gharapuri, before being discovered by the British, who named it Elephanta after they found the statue of a stone elephant there. The boat ride to the place was uneventful and similar to innumerable rides I have had in Kochi. There was a small toy train, to take people from the jetty to the base of the hill. I could not figure out what was so special about it, but it certainly seemed popular. The place is teeming with monkeys (not of the Symonds kind), that too quite daring ones. If you carry anything eatable with you, they would not think twice before attacking.
Elephanta is no Badami, but it is really worth a visit if you are a history or mythology enthusiast, especially for the Mahesh murthy – the three headed sculpture of Shiva, depicting the creator, the preserver and the destroyer. There was quite a huge crowd, with guides chirping about – some of them genuine, some of them fake. I heard a particular guide telling a Chinese couple that the big Mahesh murthy statue represented Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He even pointed to a relief that depicted the descent of Ganga and stated that it was Shiva and Parvati having a picnic!
Across the Thane creek from Elephanta, a dark grey dome can be seen rising ominously. It is difficult to miss out that domed shape of the reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre at Trombay. Before returning back from the island, I managed to take a few shots of that place, managing to avoid any of the hypothetical laser-activated guns they would have mounted to deter photographers (according to SS). The return trip was made more eventful thanks to a couple who seem to have not taught their two kids some basic manners. They bought everything that came their way, and after eating, the kids were quite content at throwing the wrappers overboard.
It seems like life starts after 8’o clock at the Marine Drive. The Marine Drive is more famous than for the reasons the Shiv Sena popularizes it for. As you sit there near the sea, you can see people from various walks of life moving past – from old ladies, who want nothing, but a quiet evening by the seashore to little kids having a running race between them.
At the Marine Drive, we came across a couple of kids playing a game of street cricket, and unintentionally, got involved. It brought back some memories from my childhood days – about how, bowling should always be underarm, and the first ball that someone faced is always a trial ball (of course, you have to ask for it. It is not by default). We were asked to step in umpires to resolve a dispute between the kids. The Sardar kid seemed to be a Sachin Tendulkar in making, hitting his hapless brother for six after six. Before coming to Mumbai, I didn’t remember the last time I played gully cricket, but after today, I will.
Quote of the Day: As we sat on the boat to Elephanta, SS turns to me and quips: “Do you know how to swim?”
“No” I reply. “Do you know?”
“No” says SS. And then after a pause: “Then we are in the same boat.”
Pic of the Day: Before starting his day, a Mumbaikar salutes the sun as it rises above the Gateway of India.
1 comment:
Your description is picturesque esp. the happenings @ Marine drive. Hope u have captured them through the pinhole.
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