PATALESHWAR CAVE TEMPLE

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple, is situated on the Junglee Maharaj Road, in the heart of the city of Pune in Maharashtra.

The cave temple has a unique factor, it is below the ground level and has been hand-hewn from a basalt rock, is dedicated to the Supreme God Shiva (also known as Lord Pataleshwar, the god of the underworld).

The sanctum - a hexahedron shaped room about 3–4 meters on each side - houses Shiv Lingam and there are two smaller cells on each side. In front of the cave is a rounded Nandi Mandapa, its umbrella shaped canopy supported by massive square pillars. This Mandapa (pillared outdoor hall) is one of the peculiar structures of Pataleshwar.

The sculpture of the cave temple never got fully completed but remains incomplete, possibly because of a fault line found at the back of the sanctum Sanctorum, which made the further sculpting unsafe, or political upheaval resulting in loss of patronage. Still worshiped by devotees, the Shiv Lingam is anointed with Ghee and Dahi. A brass temple bell hangs outside the basalt entryway of the cave temple adds to its beauty.

The temple also houses the statues of Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Devi Sita carved with white stones.

The temple resembles the Ellora and Elephanta Caves in its architectural style and it has been declared to be of National Importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites and remains act 1958 (Act Number 24 of 1958).

Photo Gallery

ELLORA CAVES

Ellora Caves

The world famous Ellora Caves, unlike Ajanta lay on the main road. Unlike Ajanta they were never discovered – because they were never lost. The rock cut work of the caves began somewhere in 300 AD and was completed by 1300 AD.

The Ellora Caves are divided into three categories, the Buddhist, the Hindu and the Jain. There are 13 Buddhist caves, 16 Brahminical or Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves, making a total 34.

Cave No.10, to begin with, is the only Chaitya cave or chapel among the whole lot. It is known as the Vishvakarma. This cave represented the highest form of Buddhist culture and spacious construction of monasteries. Dating back from 700 AD. It has the biggest Buddha engraved in the Stupa. It has a magnificent entrance and a gallery with a horseshoe shaped window on top and innumerable artistic carvings.

Other important Buddhist cave No.5 is the highest single Storeyed ‘Vihar’ having a hall 117 feet deep and there is a great variety in its architecture. No.12 is known as ‘Teen Thal’ because of its three storeys; it is the largest three storeyed ‘Vihar’ in India and stands out for the symmetry of its pillars. The sheer beauty, elegance, artistry and significance of each and every cave is admirable.

After the Buddhist, the next set of caves to be seen are the Hindu caves where the most surprising wonder is the greatest cave temple ‘Kailash’ (Cave No.16). It is said that 200000 tonnes of rock were excavated during the construction of this cave. The sheer rock, the back wall of the pit is over 100 feet high.

The gigantic pillars on either side attracts the visitor first, then the huge temple on the mighty shoulders of elephants, lions and other monsters, then the surrounding galleries, full of sculptured frames, the interior of the temples itself, the various chapels, the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharta carved out of stone on either side of the temple.

This temple alone would take days to see in sufficient detail. It is impossible to conceive how workers with merely the chisel and the hammer could have wrought all this miracle in stone.

When to Go

Late autumn is best, with the region displaying its colors after the rainy season. From December to February the weather is still perfect : skies are blue, temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees. March is quite hot but still bearable. From then onward temperatures average 110-115°F. By June the monsoon has begun and lasts through September.

How to get about ?

By bus, taxi, auto-rickshaws. There are regular ST bus services from Aurangabad to Ellora.

Nearest Railway Station : Aurangabad (C.R.)
Distance : Aurangabad to Ellora – 30 Kilometers

BEDSE CAVES

Bedse Caves

Bedse Caves are fascinating in their carvings and the view from the height of their lovely situation in the Supati hills, is entrancing.

The Caves take their name from the village at the base of the hill on which they stand. The Caves are 300 feet above the plain and 2250 feet above sea level.

There are two principal temples at Bedse, which date back right from the first century AD. The Chapel Cave is uniquely constructed.

The entrance to the chapel has two huge columns which support the cave. These columns from the base to the top are superbly carved. On entering the cave at right is the pilaster which has figures of a man, woman and animals. The woman appears to be sitting on a fine horse. She is wearing jewellery and her garments are also discernible. The man is wearing an ornament on his head.

Adjoining the pilaster is a pillar which has similar carvings of horses and women riding them. The interior of the cave is 45 feet deep and 20 feet broad. There are several more pillars within the cave with various significant carvings. After the chapel cave, there is a large unfinished empty un-carved cave, next to which is the second principal cave of Bedse. It is 32 feet deep and 18 feet wide but is bereft of any designs since it was meant to be a dwelling place. Right in the interior of the cave is a figure of the goddess "Yemmai".

Best Time to Visit Bedse Caves

September to February

Accommodation

Treasure Island Resorts # 02114-282 505
[Tariff : Rs.6000/- to Rs.10000/- for 2 persons]

Nearby Attraction

Pavana Dam

Nearest Railway Station

Kamshet Railway Station (C.R.)

Distance

Kamshet Station to Bedse Caves - 8 Kilometers (By Road)

Photos - Bedse Caves

KANHERI CAVES

The Kanheri Caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that are located amidst the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The caves are 6 kilometers from the park’ main gate and 7 kilometers from Borivali Railway Station. There is a park entrance fee Rs.33/- which does not include the caves ticket i.e. Rs.10/-. Tourists can enter after 7:30 a.m. The Kanheri Caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. The word ‘Kanheri’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, which means black mountain. "Krishna" generally stands for Black Color. Chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock, the ancient monument has magnificent reliefs of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. The caves were used by monks as a residence during monsoon and for congregational prayers. The Kanheri caves offers picnickers a getaway, especially during the rainy season. The hilly terrain of the caves creates several large and small waterfalls. The road from the entry point of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Kanheri caves is bisected by streams where families can enjoy lazy weekend gatherings.

Travel Tips

1] Keep in mind that the caves are closed on Mondays.
2] Bring your own water – although there are fruit vendors at the site, there are no snacks available.
3] Do not stay near the caves after 5.30 pm as wild animals come down to drink water.
4] Avoid going on weekends as it really is crowded.

How to reach Kanheri Caves

Location :
Western Express Highway, Opposite Omkareshwara Temple, Borivali (East)

Nearest Railway Station

Borivali Railway Station (Western Railway)

The park has bus service to the caves but that service runs between 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm, however the bus starts only when there are minimum 15 passengers. (Bus Fare Rs.33/- one way)

Photos - Kanheri Caves

ELEPHANTA CAVES

Elephanta Caves

About 10 nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India (Mumbai) lies Elephanta also known as Gharapuri. This green island is famous for the World’s wonder rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an ideal holiday place with plenty of pretty nooks and comers and pleasant picnic spots.

But it is much more than all that. The Elephanta Caves provide a fascinating study in the rock architecture and sculpture of India.

The elephant was originally known as Gharapuri meaning a rock town. It had a sacred influence on the original Indians who considered it to be the island of purification.

First we come across a large pavilion or hall originally supported and adorned by 26 pillars or columns each one averaging about 16 feet in height. Today some of these columns have fallen but the majority is still standing. In the hall there is a shrine with the Shivlinga installed in it.

The most remarkable feature of the Elephanta Caves is the mammoth representation in stone of the various heads of Shiva, depicting his several moods. This extraordinary three headed ‘Trimurti’ as it is known, is nearly 20 feet in height and each of the head is nearly six feet in length.

The front face shows Shiva as Brahma, the Lord of Creation, as its right is Shiva as Rudra, the god of destruction and at left is Shiva as Vishnu, the preserver. Other images include Shiva’s Tandav Dance, Shiv-Parvati marriage etc. The shrines at Elephanta Caves belong to the Pashupati faith. Maurya and Chalukyas patronized these shrines. The caves probably belong to the era between 8th and 10th centuries A.D.

Motor launches are available from the Gateway of India to go to Elephanta Island.

Nearest Railway Station : Churchgate