 Described as a " masterpiece of Gupta @-@ Chalukyan art " , the most important sculpture in the caves is the Trimurti , carved in relief at the back of the cave facing the entrance , on the north @-@ south axis . It is also known as Trimurti <unk> and <unk> . The image , 6 m ( 20 ft ) in height , depicts a three @-@ headed Shiva , representing <unk> Shiva . The three heads are said to represent three essential aspects of Shiva : creation , protection , and destruction . The right half @-@ face ( west face ) shows him as a young person with sensuous lips , <unk> life and its vitality . In his hand he holds an object resembling a <unk> , depicting the promise of life and creativity . This face is closest to that of Brahma , the creator or <unk> or <unk> , the feminine side of Shiva and creator of joy and beauty . The left half @-@ face ( east face ) is that of a <unk> young man , displaying anger . This is Shiva as the terrifying <unk> or Bhairava , the one whose anger can <unk> the entire world in flames , leaving only ashes behind . This is also known as <unk> @-@ Shiva , the Destroyer . The central face , benign and <unk> , resembles the <unk> Vishnu . This is <unk> , " master of positive and negative principles of existence and <unk> of their harmony " or Shiva as the <unk> <unk> in deep meditation praying for the preservation of humanity . The aspects <unk> and <unk> ( not carved ) faces are considered to be at the back and top of the sculpture . The Trimurti sculpture , with the Gateway of India in the background , has been adopted as the logo of the Maharashtra Tourism Department ( <unk> ) . 
