Explore The Historical And Heritage Caves Of Maharashtra

by

Manish_Singh

Maharashtra is home to majority of the caves within India. The caves served as halls or virahas and chaityas for Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks. All these caves are approximately 2000 years old. They not only make for great attractions, yet are important element of India’s tradition, heritage and natural beauty.

Ajanta Caves

Virtually 100 kms from Aurangabad district in Maharashtra are the Ajanta caves. The caves are said to have shaped within a time period of eight hundred yrs, from 200 BC to 600 AD. The Ajanta caves feature the Buddhist design. You may witness the history of Buddha as well as some animal stone figures created in early sculptures. The Ajanta wall depicts numerous figures. You will discover the images of nobles, slaves, wildlife as well as normal men and women of ancient times.

Elephanta Caves

Within the Elephanta Island there’s the system of caves named after the island. It is an 11 kilometer drive from the metropolis of Mumbai and is regarded as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Records of Buddhist lifestyle and aged Shiva temples can be found in these caves. The caves in Elephanta Island are said to have been created between the 9th and 12th century, but it was during the 3rd century when the caves evolved into a place to worship Lord Shiva as instructed by the Gupta dynasty. Pulkesin 11, the wonderful royal prince, is said to have built the shrine as a memorial of his glory. Other accounts declare that it was in the sixth century AD that King Krishnaraja of Kalchuri created the Elephanta caves.

Kanheri Caves

Forty two kilometers from the city of Mumbai are the Kanheri caves, a place surrounded by vibrant mountains and valleys. This place is lauded for its unparalleled architecture. Most historians recognize that the Kanheri caves sprung during the times between 200 BC and 600 AD. You can find a total of one hundred and nine caves with bed-like constructions made out of stone plinth. Dagoba, a kind of Buddhist shrine is additionally an interesting feature of this area. This shrine is made to stand by gigantic support beams crafted from rock. Because of all these amazing things, the Kanheri caves are recognized as among the world’s greatest religious settlements.

Karla Cave

In the vicinity of Lonavala in Maharashtra is the Karla Cave. It was built during the rule of Satavahana and is known for the greatest Hinayana Buddhist temple in India. The cave is directly sculpted from a living rock and manifest rock-cut structure. Amazingly, some of its wood supports are still strong although they are two thousand yrs old. Climbing up to Karla cave would take no less than 20 mins. As soon as you get there, you will observe the Chaitya that measures eighteen ft long. A brand new temple is also added within this region, which uses the older pillars from Buddhist time period.

Mahakali Caves

Once called the Kondivita Caves, the Mahakali Caves are cut from black basalt solid hard rocks. They are located within Udayagari hills, which is right in the middle of the Aaery Milk community and Borivali National park in Mumbai. These 1000 year old caves are reported to be homes to Buddhist priests before. This area also houses sculptures of Buddha and stupas.

The Caves of Maharashtra give you a prospect to glance at the unique early background of the nation and this particular area. If you love ancient history and design, then you have to visit the various caves of Maharashtra.

Manish Singh is experiencing an irresistible urge to visit and write about the best places to visit in and near Maharashtra through help

travelomy.com

. He is particularly interested in locations that are not so fully explored. Rustic beauty of places such as Kanheri Caves, Mahakali Caves and

Attraction of Elephanta Caves

particularly fascinates him.

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Explore the Historical and Heritage Caves of Maharashtra