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TRIAD FIGURE-INTERIOR OF ELEPIIANTA.

The colossal three-headed bust, which fronts the entrance of the principal excavationof Elephanta , is the most attractive, as well as the most striking object to be foundamidst the rich sculptures of the subterranean cathedral represented in the accompany-ing plate. It occupies a conspicuous situation at the extreme end of the cavern, andhas occasioned much conjecture and many controversies; some writers supposing it tobe a representation of the three personages which are said to constitute the Hindootrinity, although it is by no means certain that Brahma, Vishnu , and Siva have everbeen associated in this manner; while others have pronounced it to be three of theforms under which the last-mentioned deity is worshipped.

The three-headed figure at Elephanta is of gigantic dimensions, measuring seven-teen feet ten inches from the top of the cap of the central head to the termination atthe breast; that which fronts the spectator is full-faced, those to the right and left arein profile; and by some it is asserted that Siva, whose impersonations are frequentlysurrounded by almost innumerable characteristic attributes, had, or was intended tohave, a fourth head, corresponding with that in front, and that, therefore, only half ofthe group is given in the sculptures of Elephanta . The whole of this singular triad ishewn out of the solid rock, which is a coarse-grained dark grey basaltic formation,called by the geologists trachyte ; it lies in a recess, cut into the rock to the depth ofthirteen feet, including the thickness of the doorway, screen, or wall, projecting beyondit, which is about two feet and a half. The basement is raised about two feet nineinches from the ground; at each corner of the threshold are holes, apparently for thepurpose of receiving door-posts ; and a groove runs along the floor in front, which it isimagined was intended to receive a screen, let down occasionally to conceal the group.

Though there are numerous opinions upon the subject, the most learned personagesseem to agree that this vast temple was dedicated solely to Siva, who is here representedwith only three of the five heads with which he is frequently delineated. The work-manship exhibits considerable skill and beauty, although the art was evidently in itsinfancy at the period of its execution. Dimly seen through the long perspective of thepillared aisle, it is wonderfully imposing, and, upon a nearer approach, the details affordan equal degree of surprise and delight. The cap of the eastern head is richly adornedwith variegated figures of flowers and branches, intermingled with symbols which arepeculiar to Siva, and by which he is always distinguished, each Hindoo deity beingrecognized by his emblematic devices. The principal head is too much defaced to beso confidently pronounced to belong to the greatest of the gods, and hence the difficul-ties which have arisen in deciding whether Siva is alone entitled to the honours of thismagnificent triad, or if he must share them with Brahma and Vishnu .

The great temple at Elephanta is nearly square, being a hundred and thirty feetdeep, and about a hundred and thirty-three feet broad ; it is divided into nine aisles,