Thursday, May 29, 2014

Cave No. 2, Kanheri

In Mumbai, there are more than 100 caves at Kanheri of which many of them have beautiful carvings. One of the interesting cave among them is Cave No. 2. 



The cave consists of a vihara and three stupas that are in separate chambers.  Interestingly  these chambers are separated from the viharas. This cave dates between to 5th – 6th centuries A.D.



Out of the three Stupas, the third Stupa has an elaborate sculptures around it that are carved inside the niche. 



On the left side wall are six large panels at the bottom and above these are eight small panels.



There is a large panel at the end which equals to the height of adjacent small and large panel. Buddha seated with pendant legs and in teaching posture is the common motif appearing in all these panels. 



There are two panels, one above another, at the end of this wall.

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos :)I love to visit there in rainy season. There is a waterfall near Kanheri caves.

Jeevan said...

Great post and excellent detail inside the cave! I never know there are 100 caves in Mumbai... Nice to discover in your blog

P.N. Subramanian said...

Beautiful snaps. The last one looks like Trombay Atomic power plant!

sunshine said...

Great construction, when I see all your places, I think I have to go to India again.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photos of the caves, the carvings are amazing. Have a happy weekend!

Photo Cache said...

incredible. i hope they get preserved well for the next generation.

Light and Voices said...

Enjoyed how you photographed both panels.
JM, Illinois, U.S.A.

Anonymous said...

History is so important for what we are now.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Amazing... and to think these date back to 5th century AD!!

Anonymous said...

Such amazing caves!

Lina Gustina said...

Wow, awesome cave. Makes me wondering how people made it.

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Arija said...

It would be interesting to know the story behind the sculptures. They certainly point to something more.

Unknown said...

We use to go and see Kanheri stup.

Unknown said...

Nice to see Kanheri Stupa.

Leovi said...

Yes , that place is gorgeous ! Great photos!

Thomas Lee/Lee Lip Pang said...

Wow! Those wall carvings are beautiful.

Carver said...

Very interesting looking cave.

carol l mckenna said...

Fascinating post and photography ~ namaste,

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Kalpana said...

Great photos. I'd love to visit Kanheri next time I'm in Mumbai. How easy is it to get there? Enjoyed your blog.

Rajesh said...

Kalpana: It is in Sanjay Gandhi National Park and is very well connected.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Amazing use of the rock available to create these extraordinary structures. Fascinating detail.

Louisette said...

wonderfull caves decored,greeting from Belgium

betty-NZ said...

What interesting and detailed carvings. They are simply amazing.

Ravish Mani said...

Wow! Brilliant capture :)

Anonymous said...

beautiful pictures!

Maniparna said...

Fantastic photos!

Yogi Saraswat said...

Wonderful photos of the caves, the carvings are amazing.Thnx for sharing

Kokila gupta said...

beautiful pictures from a majestic cave !