Did I tell you that I'm a pro when it comes to cave explorations in Maharashtra. See my expertise - here @Elephanta, here @Kanheri or here @Pandavleni. See? I told ya..I know all about them. But...what? There are many more in Maharashtra? So clearly I had only touched the tip of an iceberg. As I researched more I found Maharashtra is a treasure trove when it comes to Buddhist caves that are scattered all over the state. They are located atop hills especially in the Sahyadris with beautiful and very peaceful surroundings. One can immediately feel 'calm'ness surround you when you visit these caves. Buddhism had come very early to Maharashtra between 100 BCE-170 CE( no, it was not brought by B.R.Ambedkar ) and the buddhist monks used to carve these caves deep into the Sahyadri ( or western ghat ) rocks to live, study and mediatate. They are so intriguing that one will get really impressed by the intricate details. Although, primarily Buddhist structures, many of these caves also have a mixture of both Hinduism and Jainism undertones and are major tourist hotspots visited from the world over every year. Many of these caves have been declared World Heritage sites by UNESCO. Hoping to visit many of them in near future.
Get a glimpse of its rich past,right inside da city #AbsolutMumbai visit #KanheriCaves #SanjayGandhi #National #Park pic.twitter.com/gTI0d7dGcy
— ☆ ♪ NandiniDéka ♫ ♡ (@NandiniDeka) October 21, 2015
Lets have a look into the culturally rich Maharashtra's basket of caves. Entry fee applies ( different rates for domestic and foreign tourists ) in most of these caves that have designated timings :-)
1. Ajanta Caves is located at about 100kms from Aurangabad city in Mahaeshtra ( takes about 3 hrs ). These are 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the second century BCE to about 480 CE and are considered A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Universally regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, the caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as amongst the finest of ancient Indian art. Carved out of solid rock with only a hammer and chisel, the scuptures and art depict the various aspects of two different sects of Buddhism - Mahayana and Hinayana. The architechture of these caves are spellbinding. The caves include both monasteries ( chaityas ) and worship-halls ( viharas ). The caves are spread out and it can take a whole day to explore Ajanta. There are guides and entry fee is less for Indians compared to foreigners. Photography/Videography is restricted.
2. Ellora Caves is located at about 30 kms from Aurangabad city in Maharashtra ( takes about 40 minutes ). These 34 caves dating between the 6th and 11th ( 600–1000 AD ) centuries AD are considered A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves features mesmerising sculptures ( many elaborate and erotic ), elegant artifacts/paintings from the three distinct faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Dramatic art from hindu mythology and life-sized sculptures draw people like magnets. Some of these are not exactly cave as they dont have a roof. Cave 16 features the spectacular Kailasa temple which has a magnificent architecture and life-sized elephant sculpture. This chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Shiva is the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world. It was built by 10 generations of artisans that took over 200 years. The temple holds religious importance among followers of Lord Shiva as it features his abode at the Kailash Mountain. Ramayana and Mahabharata epics are illustrated on its plinths. Compared to Ajanta, here there’s no such restriction of videography ( without flash ).
3. Aurangabad Caves are a cluster of 12 caves, cut out of soft basalt rock. They are one of the most magnificent caves located near Aurangabad on a hill running roughly east to west from the 6th and 7th centuries. The caves feature Hinayana style stupas, Mahayana art, and Vajrayana goddesses. There's also a breathtaking statue of Buddha himself in the state of Nirvana.
4. Karla Caves date back to the 2nd century BC and showcases impressive Buddhist architecture. They are one of the oldest and most important Buddhist cave shrines in India and a hidden gem. They are located in Karli, about 10.9 kms from Lonavala.
5. Bhaja Caves near Bhaja village ( lonavala ) are very ancient hinayana buddhist architectural marvels that were carved out in the 2nd century BC and includes an old impressive surviving chaitya hall with a semi-circular vaulted ceiling. The caves have intricate carvings of Buddhist motifs and stupas. The 22 caves feature gorgeous sculptures and mesmerizing wall paintings.
6. Kondana Caves is located near Kondana Village, Lonavla, in Maharashtra are famous for their intricate carvings/sculptures, exotic architecture and paintings. The cave are located in the middle of deep green jungles.There's also a waterfall that rushes by near to the caves. No Fees.
7. Lenyadri Caves near Junnar, Pune, dating back to 1st century BCE are a significant group of caves known for their historical and religious significance. They are one of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for being his birthplace. At first glance the caves look strange but as you get closer, the magnificent architecture and the beautiful entrance reveals itself which is quite spectacular.
8. Tulja Caves or Tulja Lena are located about 4 km to the west of Junnar. They run along the face of a cliff beyond the Shivneri hill. There's a shrine of Tulja Devi ( bhavani - consort of shiva ) in cave no 4. This cave group consists of 14 buddhist caves.having circular Chaitya hall surrounded by twelve octagonal pillars around the Stupa. There are number of cells and two small viharas.
9. Shivneri Caves are 64 artificial caves dug for Buddhist monks in the 1st century CE and were flourishing centers of buddhism. These are now famous tourist attractions located on Shivneri Hill fort where Shivaji was born, about 2 im Southwest of Junnar. The caves are scattered on three sides of the west–east-south sides of Shivneri Mountain and grouped accordingly.
10. Manmodi Caves are a complex of a rock-cut caves about 3 km to the south of the city of Junnar in India that lay in natural trade route of those times and had several passes that led from the coast to the basaltc pleateau. It contains three groups of excavations and has specific names for each.
11. Pataleshwar Caves in Shivajinagar in heart of Pune city have been created by carving out a single rock. It features a wide array of sculptures devoted to various Hindu Gods with gorgeously carved walls that has pictures of deities and spaintings. There are elegantly sculpted massive pillars and impressive idols ( of Lord Shiva and Nandi ), and huge circular stones with breath taking designs engraved.
12. Bedse Caves near Pune, dates back to the 1st century, and have stood the test of time. They are most magnificent caves that includes a ( chaitya ) prayer hall featuring a large stupa with ntricate carvings and ( vihara ) monastery that have been well preserved. Though not that popular, these caves have a quaint charm of their own.
13. Kanheri Caves or Krishna caves are located in the famous Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Bombay tucked away in a secluded hill top. They are in the city itself, so, one does not need to go far to visit a cave to experience the buddhist architectural marvels of the past. The caves attract tourists from all over the world . Black basalt stone has been used in the construction and feature a magnificent Buddha sculpture, a statue of Bodhisattva, colouful ceiling along with an advanced water management system.
14. Mahakali Caves are a set of 10 rock-cut ( from soft basalt ) caves devoted to Buddhism located in Bombay/Mumbai ( Andheri east suburb ), They are well maintained ( though having a bit wear and tear ) featuring inscriptions written in Pali. Since they are inside the city itself, one can easily make a quick trip to history within a few hours.
15. Jogeshwari Caves in Jogeshwari west suburb of Mumbai is dedicated to Buddhist monks and also feature Lord Shiva and other dieties. The dimly lit corridors of the caves entices and exploration of the various statues of various Hindu Gods, beautifully carved pillars, and magnificently adorned walls will leave visitors enthralled.
16. Mandapeshwar Caves in Borivali/Dahisar West, Mumbai is more than a millennium old and are some of the most beautiful caves of Maharashtra. Stunning architecture, they are carved of basaltic rock featuring a wide range of sculptures ( most in form of Lord Shiva - like Nataraja with the Nandi and another depicting the wedding of Shiva and Parvati ). No fee.
17. Elephanta Caves in Gharapuri, Maharashtra is a World Heritage Site,. The elegant caves are an attractive tourist spot and are dedicated mainly to Hinduism ( with many forms of Lord Shiva ) and also Buddhism featuring ancient Buddhist sculptures. One has to take the jetty from Gateway of India, as the caves are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city in an island.
18. Bahiri Cave situated in the scenic town of Karjat in Maharashtra, India, is a hidden gem for trekkers and adventure seekers. Nestled in the picturesque Dhak Bahiri. It was used by pilgrims and sages for the pilgrimage to the god Bahiri. This cave however has no significant buddhist architecture. It has a water tank and the cave is used mostly by trekkers and climbers these days. No fees.
19. Bahrot caves, Barad or Bhardana in Dhamanagaon near Dahanu, Maharashtra are one of the most important caves for Parsi devotees and a protected monument. They are carved into the side of Mt.Bahrot at a height of 1500 feet. There is a temple complex in the cave. There are lots of artefacts connected to the Parsi religion. It is said that the caves housed Parsi ancestors for 13 years when they hid from Muslim invaders. No fee.
20 Shivthar Ghal Caves about 14km from Mahad, Raigad were home to Samarth Ramdas Swami for over 22 years. The caves are located in picturesque surroundings with splendid views of the Sahyadri mountains with dense forests encircling. The architecture of the caves is magnificent with pristine waterfalls nearby adding to a wonderful experience for visitors. No fee.
21. PandavLeni Caves are a group of 24 ancient Buddhist caves carved into the Trivashmi hillside in the traditional Buddhist style. They are believed to be around 2000 years old and situated near Nashik, named after the Pandavas who are said to have meditated here. The beautiful architecture of the caves is mesmerizing and feature awe-inspiring sculptures of animals and deities.
22. Chambharlena Caves on the hill name Gajpanth is nestled at a steep height of 400 feet. They are one of the most beautiful of Maharashtra's caves, The caves are considered sacred among devotees of Jain religion and is a pilgrimagae site for the Digambar Sect. It is the salvation place of Balbhadra and there are three caves with jain idols in the premises.
23. Pitalkhora Caves are a set of 14 most picturesque caves located in Kannad, Chalisgaon. There's also a gorgeous waterfall as you climb giving a beautiful experience with backdrop of lush western ghats view. The caves houses a number of viharas and chaityas; and, beautiful sculptures and statues.
24. Kharosa Caves located 40 kms from Latur, having a confluence of both Buddhist influences and Hindu architecture are one of the most beautiful caves in Maharashtra. The caves feature a large number of mythological sculptures from Hindu religion with various stories. There is a magnificent statue as well as a stunning painting of Buddha. There are sculptures of Yaksha, a finely created statue of Lord Dutta, and a gorgeous Shivaling.
#Ancient #Buddhist #Archaeological #Heritage #Pandulena #Caves #Maharashtra #Sahyadris #travelblogger #ttot #lp #wow pic.twitter.com/4c8n4zDzcr
— ☆ ♪ NandiniDéka ♫ ♡ (@NandiniDeka) November 24, 2015
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_caves_in_India
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