Elephanta Caves are divided into two groups - one larger group with 5 caves all of which are dedicated to Shaiva sect and the other one is the smaller group dedicated to Buddha. The rocks are made of solid basalt. They were painted in past but only traces of paint are left now. The main cave, containing the sculptures of Lord Shiva in different forms and acts, was a place of worship for Hindus until Portuguese came in 1534after which the caves suffered severe damage. In 1970s Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started the renovation work. The Main cave which has 13 panels depicting various acts of Shiva, most famous of which - Trimurti has been adopted by Maharashtra Tourism in their logo, benefitted most from this renovation work done by ASI. Other caves are still in a terrible state. Prayers were performed here in ancient times and even today people gather to pray to Shiva on Mahashivratri.
