429 
three armed servants, shot the monster through the heart, he hav- 
ing never moved from the spot. 
The island of Elephanta, about two leagues from Bombay, 
does not exceed three miles in circumference: consisting of 
two rocky mountains, covered with trees and brush-wood, and a 
small valley of rice-fields, cultivated by a few Hindoo farmers, 
whose cottages and cattle enliven the scene. Near the landing 
place is the figure of an elephant the size of life, shaped out of a 
rock, which probably gave its name to the island; that by which 
the natives distinguish it being very different. 
Ascending the mountain by a narrow path, winding among 
rocks, trees, and underwood, we arrive at the excavation, which 
has long excited the attention of the curious, and afforded ample 
scope for the discussion of antiquarians. The principal temple, 
and adjoining apartments, are two hundred and twenty feet long, 
and one hundred and fiftv broad; in these dimensions exceeding the 
largest work at Salsette: but being very inferior in height, not- 
withstanding the numerous and richer decorations at the Ele- 
phanta, the spectator is constantly reminded of being in a cave; 
at Salsette, the lofty concave roof and noble columns have a ma- 
jestic appearance. Yet the observer feels more surprize and ad- 
miration at the Elephanta than at Salsette: he beholds four rows 
of massive columns cut out of the solid rock, uniform in their 
order, and placed at regular distances, so as to form three magni- 
ficent avenues from the principal entrance to the grand idol which 
terminates the middle vista; the general effect being heightened 
by the blueness of the light, or rather gloom, peculiar to the situa- 
tion. The central image is composed of three colossal heads, 
