Mahakali Caves

Mahakali Caves

Mahakali Caves
Location Andheri (East), Mumbai
Altitude 70 m (230 ft)
Geology Basalt
Number of entrances 20
Difficulty easy

The Mahakali Caves (Marathi: महाकाली गुंफा) (also known as the Kondivita Caves) are a group of 19 rock-cut monuments built between 1st century BCE and 6th century CE.[1]

This Buddhist monastery is located in the western suburb of Andheri in the city of Mumbai (Bombay) in western India. Monument consists of two groups of rock-cut caves - 4 caves more to the north-west and 15 caves more to the south-east.[2] Most caves are viharas and cells for monks, but Cave 9 of south-eastern group is chaitya. Caves in north-west have been created mainly in 4th - 5th century, while south-eastern group is older. Monument contains also rock-cut cisterns and remnants of other structures.

Caves are carved out of a solid black basalt rock. The largest cave at Mahakali (Cave 9) has seven depictions of the Buddha and figures from Buddhist mythology but all are mutilated.[3]

It is located near the junction between the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and SEEPZ. The road that connects these monuments to Andheri Kurla Road is named Mahakali Caves Road after it. The caves are located on a hill that overlooks the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and the SEEPZ++ area.[4] A Direct bus run by the BEST links the caves with Andheri station. The caves are in danger of being encroached upon.

See also

References

  1. ^ Jaisinghani, Bella (13 July 2009). "Ancient caves battle neglect". Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Ancient-caves-battle-neglect/articleshow/4770451.cms. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  2. ^ "Mahakali Caves or Kondivita Caves - rock-cut Buddhist temples". Wondermondo. 20 June 2010. http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Maharashtra/Mahakali.htm. Retrieved 2010-05-20. 
  3. ^ Bavadam, Lyla (Jul. 18-31, 2009). "In a shambles". Frontline. http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fline/fl2615/stories/20090731261506600.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-28. 
  4. ^ Gaur, Abhilash (2004-01-25). "Pay dirt: Treasure amidst Mumbai’s trash". The Tribune. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040125/spectrum/travel.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-01. 
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mahakali_Caves Mahakali Caves] at Wikimedia Commons
Caves around Mumbai