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Pandavleni Caves are situated on the southern side of Nashik in Maharashtra at a distance of about 8 km from the main city centre. These are ancient rock-cut caves that are built on the tableland of Trivashmi Hills around 3rd century and 2nd century BC and are as old as 200o years. These caves are of immense historical and religious significance to the Buddhist culture as the set of 24 caves were built during the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The cave complex also constitutes of museums, food outlets and also musical fountains to entertain the visitors. Several smaller shrines, monasteries, cisterns, carved pillars are found within the caves.
The Pandavleni Caves were constructed by rulers of Kshaharatas and Satavahanas dynasties for the Buddhist monks belonging to Hinayana sect. The caves are referred to by various names such as Nasik Caves, Pandavleni Caves and Pandu Caves. Various eminent saints such as Veer Manibhadraji, Tirthankara Vrishabdeo and Ambika Devi have taken shelter in the caves. Caves that are numbered 3 and 10 are the most beautiful caves of all the 24 caves and boasts of excellent architecture. The inscriptions inside the caves are an important source of knowledge for many researchers and scholars that specialize in ancient India. Cave number 15 has an inscription about the King of Western Maharashtra.
As you delve inside the caves, you will come across beautiful statues, halls, water pools and ladders made of stone. There is also a memorial built to honour Dada Saheb Phalke at the foot of these caves. This Smarak exhibits the good work and contribution made by Dada Saheb Phalke. In order to reach the top of the caves, you will have to climb about 200 steps. It might sound like a difficult trek but the spectacular view from the top is worth the effort made in climbing. For this reason, this place is also one of the popular trekking destinations in Nashik and is visited by a large number of tourists’ and Buddhist pilgrims all throughout the year.
More on Pandavleni Caves
History of Pandavleni Caves
The Pandavleni Caves were built during the influence of Hinayana sect of Buddhism in 3 and 2 century BC. Formerly known as Pundru caves because of their yellow orche colour, these caves served as an important learning centre for the monks. These monks wore yellow robes which were known as ‘Chivara’ and were dedicated to meditating and learning various aspects of Buddhism. You might wonder that these caves are related to the Pandava brothers from Mahabharata but it has no reference to them. The caves are also known for their exquisite carvings and sculptures of Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
In later years, the caves were renamed to Panda Caves. The inscriptions in the caves provide important information about the lifestyle of the monks and Buddhist culture in ancient times. The inscriptions are the only source of information that testifies that Nashik was under the rule of three dynasties including the Satavahanas, Kshatrapas and Abhiras. It also highlights that the many local merchants, kings and landlords immensely supported Buddhism and also made a large contribution towards the development of Pandavleni Caves.
Layout and Concept of Pandavleni Caves
On the northern side of Trisasmi Hill, the 24 caves were cut from a single large rock in one straight line. In addition to historical significance, these caves are a perfect illustration of ancient rock-cut architecture style. Out of 24 caves, a few are very small and of less significance. The exterior of the caves is heavily adorned with decoratives as compared to its interior.
Interior of Pandavleni Caves
Majority of the caves here are Viharas which are a chamber-like structure used by the monks to reside and study. The cave numbered 18 is a Chaitya which is a prayer hall with a Stupa built inside. The main attraction of the cave complex is the caves which are numbers 3, 10, 18 and 20. Cave 3 is a huge Vihara with 16 small compartments and is adorned with beautiful sculptures. Cave 10 is the place where inscriptions that highlight the donations made by various people during those time are found. Cave 18 is the oldest caves in the complex and is a Chaitya that comprises of a large portico. It also houses beautiful, intricate carvings and a stupa.
The visitors here are mesmerised by the sight of various structures in the complex such as cisterns, shrines, rare inscriptions, beautiful sculptures and figurines of Lord Buddha and other eminent Jain Tirthankaras. You can also find the sculptures that showcase various merchants, kings, farmers that made donations to the shrine. The architecture of the caves is heavily influenced by Indo-Greek style.
You will be surprised to notice the efficient water management and water harvesting techniques adopted by the monks living in the caves. Many cisterns are present in the caves which are carefully carved out from the rock
Best Time to Visit Pandavleni Caves
An ideal time to plan a trip to Pandavleni Caves is during the months of July to February. The weather during this time of the year is pleasant and the scenic beauty around is enhanced post-monsoon showers.
How to Reach Pandavleni Caves?
The caves are easily reachable from the Nashik CBS Bus Depot. From the main town of Nashik, you can readily avail various private and public transport services to reach the caves including buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. As you reach the foot of the caves, you will have to climb a steep staircase that leads up to the complex. It will take you around 20 minutes to reach the top.
