Beginning with 1st century BC, the genesis and growth of the group of the Buddhist caves at Kanehari continues up to 11th century AD, a period of more than thousand years. It is located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai.
These rock cut caves excavations are of mainly four types (i) Chaiyahrahas, (ii) Monasteries, (iii) Podhis and (iv) rock cut benches and seats. The Buddhist monks of Hinayana faith were of the first to commence the excavation of these caves. A majority of these rock-cut caves are small consisting of a single cell with a front pillared verandah approached by a flight of steps.
Of the numerous donor inscriptions found here mention of ancient cities like Suparaka, Nasika, Chemuli, Kalyana, Dhenukakata etc., The donors were from all class of the society, from the members of the royal families to the commoners.
The entire group consisting of more than 100 caves is one of the biggest monastic settlements in India. The prominent caves are numbered as 1, 2, 3, 11, 32, 34, 38, 41, 67, 89, 90, etc.
How to Reach: It is located in the north of Mumbai inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali.
These rock cut caves excavations are of mainly four types (i) Chaiyahrahas, (ii) Monasteries, (iii) Podhis and (iv) rock cut benches and seats. The Buddhist monks of Hinayana faith were of the first to commence the excavation of these caves. A majority of these rock-cut caves are small consisting of a single cell with a front pillared verandah approached by a flight of steps.
Of the numerous donor inscriptions found here mention of ancient cities like Suparaka, Nasika, Chemuli, Kalyana, Dhenukakata etc., The donors were from all class of the society, from the members of the royal families to the commoners.
The entire group consisting of more than 100 caves is one of the biggest monastic settlements in India. The prominent caves are numbered as 1, 2, 3, 11, 32, 34, 38, 41, 67, 89, 90, etc.
How to Reach: It is located in the north of Mumbai inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali.
34 comments:
The top shot shows an amazing place!
Very interesting and historically important. I wonder what kind of tools they would have had to create the caves.
Looks like a very nice national park to visit. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing.
What an amazing ancient place to visit, so interesting site to learn about, for sure!!.. Thanks for sharing with us!
Excelentes fotografias de valioso lugar....
Cumprimentos
It's been such an age since I've been to India, but I still remember bits. This is one of those unforgettable things, isn't it? Thank you for sharing. :) Hope you have a lovely week ahead.
Nice. It appears that you have been able to climb to the top where the cremations used to take place.
Interesting piece of history, thanks.
Wonderful caves. Thanks for sharing this.
Nature is great.These caves are really very great example of natural
Sculpture.
Wow! That's a lot of caves! So the monks actually built them out of the rocks, being provided with gifts from wealthy people? Sounds like nothing much has changed. In the west, the churches, monks and priests still exist on the donations of members and other benefactors.
What an incredible, fascinating place, Rajesh!! I would love to visit there, but your captures are the next best thing!! Have a great week!
Very cool mosaic! I love to travel! Thanks for sharing.
~Rainey @ The Project Table~
Wow, these are pretty cool caves Rajesh, thans for sharing them.
To my shame I have never heard of these caves.
this is so cool. I am not a huge Indian art person but this weekend I view an exhibit in Kansas City that made me fall in love with it. Just beautiful.
Maria @ The Good Life
Fascinating look at the caves.
visiting the caves looks pretty challenging. did they construct a easier way to get into the caves?
It's amazing how this cave was carved, also with detailed art. Definitely a worthwhile place to visit.
Fascinating caves!
Wonderful photos! exciting get there on foot!
It must be a great experience to see those caves and to enter them. Thanks for showing!
Wil, ABCW Team
This is so beautiful! I have been to the Elephanta caves, not to this one, though.
Lovely!
How interesting and great place to visit.
K is for...
I really want to go to these caves! Love your shots!
Always fascinating to see photos of your country ~ such history ~ namaste,
artmusedog and carol
Ancient writings are so cool.
ROG, ABCW
It is fascinating to think about the men who lived, meditated and prayed in these caves!
Nice place to have visited..!
Wow! Nice archaeological site.
Woww I never heard about this ,You can also add kailash Cave of Chhattisgarh in your blog.
Beautiful captures...caves in the forest always give a mysterious look.
Wonderful photographs, Rajesh :)
wow...a treasure trove of ancient sculpture and cave art! great captures!
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