Fun Facts about Pandavleni caves near Nashik, Maharashtra

A real historic marvel stands overlooking the city of Nashik in Maharashtra and these are the 24 caves of Pandavleni. Here are some facts about these

1. Pandavleni Caves, also known as Trirashmi Caves or Pandu Lena Caves, are a group of ancient rock-cut caves located near Nashik in Maharashtra, India.

2. The caves date back to the 1st century BCE and were excavated during the reign of the Satavahana dynasty.

3. It is believed that the caves were used by Buddhist monks as viharas (monasteries) for meditation and shelter.

4. There are a total of 24 caves in the Pandavleni complex, each carved out of the basalt rock. However, only a few caves are accessible to the public.

5. The caves feature intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddhist deities, lotus motifs, and various other decorative elements.

6. The most significant cave in the complex is Cave No. 3, also known as the Chaitya (prayer hall). It has a large stupa (Buddhist shrine) with a circumambulation path for devotees.

7. Another noteworthy cave is Cave No. 10, which has beautiful sculptures depicting the three incarnations of Buddha: Padmapani (compassionate Buddha), Vajrapani (powerful Buddha), and Avalokiteshwara (the Buddha of compassion).

8. Pandavleni Caves are located atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The climb to the caves involves steps, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and religious pilgrims.

9. The caves are surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful and serene place for visitors to spend time exploring and meditating.

10. The name “Pandavleni” is derived from the belief that the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata resided in these caves during their exile. However, there is no historical evidence to support this claim.