Rivona Caves


Useful Information

Location:  
(15.164905, 74.111346)
Open: no restrictions.
[2021]
Fee: free.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyRiver Cave SubterraneaCave Church
Light:  
Dimension:  
Guided tours:  
Photography:  
Accessibility:  
Bibliography: Mrinmayee Thakur (2017): Rock-cut Architecture: A case of Caves in Goa, Goa College of Architecture, Bachelor Thesis. academia.edu
Address: Rivona Caves.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

6th and 7th century caves used as buddhist temples or meditation rooms.

Description

Rivona Caves are exceptional, as this are the only natural caves in the state. The were formed by erosion by a river. They were inhabited during the 6th and 7th centuries by Buddhist monks, who meditated in the caves and made numerous alterations. The result is rather similar to the artificial buddhist caves, but the natural origin is still visible. The pitha is a sort of bench, which may have served as a seat for the teacher. The caves stand as proof that Buddhism was popular in Goa.

The caves were excavated and cleaned up, trails and a fence were built, explanatory signs installed. Nevertheless, the number of visitors is quite low and thus the site is in a state of slow decay. To find them go to Rivona, which is located in the Kushawati River valley, at the foot of a hill. On the hill is a temple named Revon Math, to which a road leads. The caves are halfway up on the left, there is a small gate in the fence and a sign.