The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable sculpture of this period known as the Mahesh-murti. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild pleasing and lovable.
The cave temple is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres. Inside the temple is a large pillared hall with rows of columns that appear to hold up the roof of the cave.