Dharashiv Caves

Dharashiv Caves are an ancient group of caves near Dharashiv (Osmanabad) village in Marathwada. 5 km from Dharashiv. In the distance are the Shaiva caves. They are also called ‘Chambhar Caves’.

The caves are accessible by footpath from Hatla Devi Temple, by paved road from Bomblya Maruti Temple near the city. In front of the caves is a Shiva temple from the Maratha period.

It is best to visit the caves in winter. During this period the weather there is pleasant.

History
These caves were carved into the Balaghat range near the town of Dharashiva in the 6th century. 11 Buddhist, Hindu, Jain caves are found here. In many places, Hindus or Sanatan religious people have carved the idols of their gods and goddesses. Mainly, the caves of the beloved gods Shiva and Vishnu can be seen.

Buddha Caves
There are seven caves and the material is found in the first cave. The second cave is mainly in Vakataka style. The main hall is 80 square feet long and has 14 shelters for Buddhist monks. In the core there is a Buddha statue in Padmasana position. The third cave is similar to the first cave. Rest of the caves are similar to Jain.

Jain Caves
There are seven famous Jain caves located 20 km northeast of Dharashiv. The second cave has eight pillars and five entrances. There are 22 rooms on both sides and the sanctum sanctorum has a magnificent image of Lord Parshvanath Tirthankar. A description of these caves is found in a Jain text called Karkandachariu.

Present Status
Dharashiva Cave is claimed by Buddhists and Jains. But according to James Burgess’s research on 1200 caves in Maharashtra, the Dharashiva Caves were Buddhist caves in the 5th century AD. Later in the 12th century some of these caves have been mirrored in Jain caves. [4] [5]

Other information
It is believed that a righteous man named Hari Narayan was doing penance in these caves during the Peshwa period. There is also a monastery of this sect in Dharashiva.

Dharashiv Caves are located about 6 to 7 km west of Osmanabad city.

Address: Dharashiv Caves, Dist.Osmanabad
Hatla Devi Temple