List of Buddhist caves in Maharashtra

Enlisted below List of Buddhist caves in Maharashtra

Lenyadri Caves: These caves are a series of rock-cut Buddhist caves located near Junnar in Pune district. They are known for their 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves, including Cave 7, which is dedicated to the goddess Bahubali.

Pandavleni Caves (Pandu Lena Caves): Situated in Nashik, the Pandavleni Caves consist of a complex of 24 caves dating from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. They are notable for their chaityas, viharas, and inscriptions.

Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves, located in the Aurangabad district, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consist of 30 rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist paintings and sculptures.

Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a complex of 34 caves that include Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples. The Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 5th to 7th centuries CE and include the impressive Cave 10 (Vishvakarma Cave).

Karla Caves: Located near Lonavala in the Pune district, the Karla Caves are one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist cave complexes in India. They date back to the 2nd century BCE and feature a large chaitya (prayer hall) with a magnificent stupa.

Bhaja Caves: Situated near the Karla Caves, the Bhaja Caves are another ancient Buddhist cave complex that dates from the 2nd century BCE. They are known for their intricately carved pillars, stupas, and sculptures.

Kanheri Caves: The Kanheri Caves are a group of caves located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. These caves were used by Buddhist monks from the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE. They contain rock-cut chaityas, viharas, and sculptures.

Bedse Caves: These caves are located near Kamshet in Pune district and date back to the 1st century BCE. They feature rock-cut Buddhist viharas and stupas.

Gharapuri Caves (Elephanta Caves): Though primarily known for their Hindu sculptures, the Elephanta Caves, situated on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor, also contain a few Buddhist caves that are believed to date from the 6th to 7th centuries CE.

Nasik Caves: Located in the Nashik district, these caves date back to the 1st century BCE and are primarily viharas with some inscriptions and sculptures.

To be continued…

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