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.
The top shot shows an amazing place!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and historically important. I wonder what kind of tools they would have had to create the caves.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very nice national park to visit. Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing ancient place to visit, so interesting site to learn about, for sure!!.. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteExcelentes fotografias de valioso lugar....
ReplyDeleteCumprimentos
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.
ReplyDeleteNice. It appears that you have been able to climb to the top where the cremations used to take place.
ReplyDeleteInteresting piece of history, thanks.
ReplyDeleteWonderful caves. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteNature is great.These caves are really very great example of natural
ReplyDeleteSculpture.
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.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible, fascinating place, Rajesh!! I would love to visit there, but your captures are the next best thing!! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteVery cool mosaic! I love to travel! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Rainey @ The Project Table~
Wow, these are pretty cool caves Rajesh, thans for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteTo my shame I have never heard of these caves.
ReplyDeletethis 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.
ReplyDeleteMaria @ The Good Life
Fascinating look at the caves.
ReplyDeletevisiting the caves looks pretty challenging. did they construct a easier way to get into the caves?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how this cave was carved, also with detailed art. Definitely a worthwhile place to visit.
ReplyDeleteFascinating caves!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! exciting get there on foot!
ReplyDeleteIt must be a great experience to see those caves and to enter them. Thanks for showing!
ReplyDeleteWil, ABCW Team
This is so beautiful! I have been to the Elephanta caves, not to this one, though.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
How interesting and great place to visit.
ReplyDeleteK is for...
I really want to go to these caves! Love your shots!
ReplyDeleteAlways fascinating to see photos of your country ~ such history ~ namaste,
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol
Ancient writings are so cool.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
It is fascinating to think about the men who lived, meditated and prayed in these caves!
ReplyDeleteNice place to have visited..!
ReplyDeleteWow! Nice archaeological site.
ReplyDeleteWoww I never heard about this ,You can also add kailash Cave of Chhattisgarh in your blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures...caves in the forest always give a mysterious look.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photographs, Rajesh :)
ReplyDeletewow...a treasure trove of ancient sculpture and cave art! great captures!
ReplyDelete