Visit to Pandavleni

 Pandavleni Caves, Nashik

Pandavleni Caves

PandavLeni (also known as Trirashmi Caves and other variations) (Leni is Marathi word for caves), are a group of 24 caves carved between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD, representing the Hinayana Buddhist caves and has nothing to do with the characters of Mahabharata (the Pandavas). Most of the caves are Viharas except for the 18th cave which is a Chaitya. The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site and is located about 8 km south of Nashik, Maharashtra, India.

Caves

The caves were carved out from the 4th century BC till the 12th century AD as abodes for the idols of the local kings. The caves lodge idols of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Some caves are intricately connected by stone-cut ladders that join them to the other caves. Steps lead to the caves from the bottom of the hill. The peak of the Pandavleni is also accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but the path is well built with steps.

Some of the caves are large and contain numerous chambers - these rock-cut caves served as a viharas or monasteries for the disciples to meet and hear sermons. They contain interesting sculptures. One of the vihara caves is older and finer in sculptural detail and is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Another cave (cave No. 18) is a Chaitya and is similar in age to the Karla Cave and has a particularly elaborate facade.

The site has an excellent ancient water management system and skillfully chiseled out of solid rock are several attractive water tanks.

The caves can be traced back up to 3rd century BC. Out of the twenty-four caves, two caves are a major attraction - the main cave which is the Chaitya (prayer hall) has a beautiful Stupa; the second one is cave no. 10 which is complete in all structural as well inscriptions. Both the caves have carvings and inscriptions also. The caves are facing eastwards. So it is recommended to visit the caves early morning as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced.

The caves were called Pundru which in Pali language means "yellow ochre color". This is because the caves were the residence of Buddhist monks who wore "the chivara or the yellow robes". Later on, the word Pundru changed to Pandu Caves (as per Ancient Monuments Act 26 May 1909). Decades later people started calling it Pandav Caves - a misnomer which is used for every cave in India.

Route to caves 

Caves

It takes about 20-30 minutes from bottom to climb the mountain by trekking. It's good destination where person feels relax. And the destination heals your soul by its natural beauty. 

Best time to visit 

In rainy season one can enjoy calm and serene atmosphere, with abundant greenery. If one is lucky he may get to see a peacock.

Attire

Loose cloths and sports shoes especially joggers and trekking shoes.

  

How to reach 

If your travelling by air then nearest airport is in Nashik city and from there you can have a auto or taxi directly to the Pandavleni caves. Nearest railway station is Nashik road. 

It is a very good place to visit and spend some quality time with family.

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