Ghorawadi caves

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The Ghorawadi caves, also known as Ghorawdeshwar, are located near Dehu Road, around 40 km from Pune on the Pune–Mumbai NH4 highway. These caves are not as popular as the Karli, Bhaje and Bedse Caves, but this place is worth seeing. These are ancient artistic Buddhist caves carved out of a single rock formation of a hill and not many people visit.

Archaeologists surmise the caves were carved around the 3rd and 4th century. There are nine rooms for meditation adjoining the GRIHA. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the walls says that the Chaityagriha is dedicated with affection by Buddha and Sagha-the daughters of Dhapar who was a disciple of Bhadantsingh. The same GRIHA has now taken a shape of Shri Ghorwadeshwar Temple.

An easy walk leads to the top where the caves are situated. There are many caves, some of which have deities of Vitthal, Rakhumai and Saint Tukaram. It is said that Saint Tukaram used to meditate at Ghorawadi caves and also at places like Durga Tekdi near Nigdi, Bhandara and Bhamchandra near Dehu.

There is a beautiful Shivlinga in one big cave, which can accommodate many people. During Mahashivratri a lot of people visit here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva.

As one climbs a little further, there are more caves, which have deities and carvings on the walls.