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BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
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BUDDHIST SITES |
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| KANHERI CAVES |
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The Kanheri caves lie in a wild picturesque valley in the heart of former islands of Salsete, about 10 kms. west of Thane and 32 kms. north of Mumbai and about 8 kms. away from Boriwali suburban railway station.
The caves (120 in number) are situated in Sanjay National Park, a reserved forest. The site of the caves is set apart, picturesque and can be distinguished from the other hill, as it is barren.The top of these caves provide a spectacular view of the whole Salesette island (Bombay) right up to the Vasai creck. This is one of the largest Budhist establishements found in Western India. Being on an ancient trade route between Kalayan and Sopara, this place also served as resting place for the travellars, thus receiving great mercantile patronage.
The Buddhist pilgrim's progress ends not far from the Borivali railway station, but more interestingly, for most, it is just a beginning of another journey, spiritual and deeply religious. |
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| Kanheri caves Attractions |
The caves are always beautiful, but the most exquisite piece of artistic example lies at the top, where fantastic sculptures of goddess Tara and Goddess Bhrukti with the central structure of Avalokiteswara, with five symbols each in the right and the left is housed.
The caves are considered to be in use during the period of 1st century BC to 9th century AD, primarily Buddhist monks, and some of the traders who travelled from the nearby places for religious favors. However, the most appealing is the Chaitya cave, built sometime during the 4th to 5th Century AD, with signs of decorative woodwork on the roof still present, is definitely a big draw for the tourists.
There are many sculptured statues of Buddha, on the outer sides of the wall, mainly in the Avalokiteswara incarnation. There are, nevertheless, difference in the artistic representation, when contrasted with one another, may be due to the difference of time when they were built.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, with vivid treasury of wildlife, beautifully green landscape, well laid zigzag roads and kind-hearted monkey band is another plus point for making the place such a hotspot for the tourist folk. The caves represent a golden beginning and the end of Buddhism in Northern India.
Most interestingly, with the rock cut sculptures, the individual travellers carved some useless graffiti out, and one will be amazed to know from these graffiti that these caves have been in the tourist map from the 16th century |
| How to Reach |
Air - Mumbai airport is both a major airport and the most convenient one to reach these caves.
Rail - Borivali is the nearest station but for major trains Mumbai CST is preferable.
Road - It's a 10-minute Journey from the Borivali railway station, however buses are available from Mumbai also.
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