Pandavleni Caves

These are a group of twenty four Hinayana Buddhist Caves whose excavation was financed by the Jain Kings.

Cave No 3 is a large Vihara or monastery with some interesting sculptures. Cave No 10 is also a Vihara and almost identical in design to Cave No 3, but is much older and finer in detail. It is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Cave No 18 is a Chaitya or shrine believed to be similar in date as the Karla Cave. It is well sculptured, and its elaborate facade is particularly noteworthy.

The cave houses the statues of Buddha, Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo, and the icons of Bodhisatva, Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi. The interiors of the caves were popular meeting places for the disciples, where sermons delivered. There are attractive water tanks that have been skilfully carved out of the solid rock.

Text by Tony Oldham (2003). With kind permission.