Bhaja Caves

The Bhaja Caves are in Lonavala, Maharashtra, and they were built around 160 BC.

The Caves are the largest Hinayana Buddhist temple in India. They were built during the reign of Satavahana. The architecture of these caves, which is typical of old Indian rock-cut architecture, tells us about the real culture and traditions of India at that time. The Stupas, which have deeply cut caves on the outside and inside, are the most interesting parts of these caves.

How Old Are the Bhaja Caves?

Builders constructed the Bhaja Caves, also called the Bhaje Caves, as a group of 22 rock-cut caves in the 2nd century BC. The caves are 400 feet above Bhaja town. They are on an old trade path that goes from the Arabian Sea on the east to the Deccan.

Architectural Marvels of Ancient Buddhist Rock-Cut Caves

The style and layout of the Bhaja Caves are much like those of the Karla Caves. The chaityagriha (Cave 12) is the most important of the digs. People think that the chaityagriha was the first building of its kind. It has a big apsidal hall and 27 pillars that split it into a central nave and side aisles. Vaults and original wooden beams hold up the roof of the nave. At the far end of Chaitya is a stupa with a hole in the top for a wooden cover. These ancient caves are among the places to visit in Lonavala for history lovers.

Significance of the Stupas and Carvings

Cave 18 is a monastery. It has a rectangular hall with a verandah in front supported by columns. This cave has pictures of Lord Indra and Surya. The Sun God waterfall that falls into a small pool occasionally is close to the last cave. Images from the 2nd century BC in this cave show a woman playing the Tabla and another woman dancing.

Besides Cave 18, the Bhaja Caves group has other simple monasteries resembling rooms with verandahs. The caves are famous for the group of 14 stupas that surround an uneven excavation. There are five stupas inside the cave and nine outside. The stupas hold the remains of monks who lived and died in Bhaja. They have inscriptions with the names of three monks: Ampinika, Dhammagiri, and Sanghdina.

Best time to visit Bhaja caves

From October to March, which is fall to spring, is the best time to visit Bhaja Caves. It will be great for people to come here in the fall because the weather will be calm and cool, unlike in the summer. Visitors looking for the best experience can explore Bhaja Caves as part of Lonavala tour packages, which offer a chance to enjoy the region's natural beauty and historical charm.