Pitalkhora Caves
Dating to the 3rd century BC, the magnificent Patilkhora caves are carved out of rock and are one of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. These 14 ancient Buddhist caves are located in the Western Ghats next to a cascading waterfall that adds to the beauty of the caves.
Chaitya and Vihara are two types of caves where monks used to pray and stay. Now the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the site which displays many motifs, designs, paintings and more from ancient times.
18 km from Pitalkhora and 77 km from Aurangabad, Pitalkhora Caves are an ancient rock-cut cave situated on the Chandora hill near Ambala village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
Pitalkhora consists of 14 Buddhist caves and is believed to be the oldest of the surrounding stone cave structures. Pitalkhora Caves are believed to date back to the 2nd century BC. They are cut into a variety of basalt rocks that undergo rapid weathering compared to other parts of Maharashtra. All the caves belong to the Hinayana period but the paintings in the caves belong to the Mahayana period. The caves have paintings, many sculptures, animal motifs, miniature Chaitya windows, amazing Yaksha figures, elephants, gatekeepers and Mithuna figures. The sculptures here are similar to those found in the stupas of Sanchi, Karla, Nashik.
The caves are in two groups, one is a group of 10 caves and the other is a group of 4 caves. Of the 14, four are chaityas (a grihastha votive stupa, an apsidal and single cell) and the rest are viharas. The first cave, which is damaged, was used as a monastery or vihara. The second, third and fourth caves have a common courtyard and seem to belong to the same period.
Cave 3 has exquisite paintings and 37 pillars separating the corridor from the hall. The inscriptions on each pillar indicate that they were personally added by Paithan rulers over time. The original full pillars display beautiful painting pieces in the Ajanta style. Many standing and seated Buddha images are still clearly visible today. Below are steps leading to the basement where there are many carvings and a stupa containing many rare crystals. Cave 4 contains carvings of elephants and horses, as well as inscriptions left by donors. The cave also has a carved panel depicting the Buddha as a prince leaving his palace.
Pittalkhora Caves are located in a remote, deep, forested river valley. One has to descend the steps into the deep valley and cross the iron bridge to admire the beautiful scenery on the way. The area looks especially beautiful during monsoons, when the streams and waterfalls are full of water and the soil is covered with greenery.
Location : Kannad, Maharashtra
Time : 9 am to 5 am
Entrance Fee : Rs.10 per person
