Maharashtra is home to most of the caves within India. The caves served as chaityas for Buddhist, Hindu and Jain priests. These caves are approximately two thousand yrs old. They not just make for fantastic attractions, yet are precious aspect of India’s tradition, history and natural beauty.
Ajanta Caves
Virtually a hundred kilometers from Aurangabad region in Maharashtra are the Ajanta caves. The caves are said to have shaped inside a time period of eight hundred yrs, from 200 BC to 600 AD. The Ajanta caves feature the Buddhist design. You could witness the history of Buddha and many animal stone figures created during the early sculptures. The Ajanta wall shows numerous figures. You will find the images of kings, queens, slaves, animals and normal people of old times.
Elephanta Caves
Inside the Elephanta Island there's the system of caves named after the island. It's an 11 kilometer travel from the metropolis of Mumbai and is known as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Footprints of Buddhist lifestyle and aged Shiva temples could be discovered in these caves. The caves in Elephanta Island are said to have been shaped between the ninth and twelfth century, yet it was in the third century when the caves became a place to worship Lord Shiva as instructed by the Gupta dynasty. Pulkesin 11, the wonderful warrior prince, is said to have created the shrine as a memorial of his success. Some other accounts claim that it was in the sixth century AD that King Krishnaraja of Kalchuri made
The Caves of Elephanta.
Kanheri Caves
Forty two kilometers from the urban center of Mumbai are the Kanheri caves, a spot enclosed by vibrant mountains and valleys. This spot is lauded for its unparalleled architecture. The majority of researchers recognize that the Kanheri caves sprung during the times between 200 BC and 600 AD. There are 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 engaging feature of this place. This shrine is built to stand by huge support beams crafted from stone. Because of these delights, the Kanheri caves are recognized as one of the world's finest religious areas.
Karla Cave
Near Lonavala within Maharashtra is the Karla Cave. It was developed during the time of Satavahana and is famous for the greatest Hinayana Buddhist temple in India. The cave is directly sculpted from a living rock and manifest rock-cut design. Incredibly, a few of its wood beams are even now strong although they are two thousand yrs old. Climbing up to Karla cave would take no less than 20 mins. As soon as you arrive there, you will observe the Chaitya that measures 18 ft long. A brand new temple is also included in this place, which uses the old pillars from Buddhist time period.
Mahakali Caves
Once called the Kondivita Caves, the Mahakali Caves are cut from dark basalt solid hard rocks. They're located within Udayagari hills, which is right in the heart of the Aaery Milk colony and Borivali National park in Mumbai. These thousand years old caves are reported to be homes to Buddhist priests before. This area also houses statues of Buddha as well as stupas.
The Caves of Maharashtra, India give you a chance to glance at the rich ancient background of the country and this particular place. If you like early history and architecture, then you need to go to the many caves of Maharashtra.