Pandavleni caves in Nashik

Pandavleni Caves in Nashik

If you come to visit our beautiful India, do consider visiting the famous Pandavleni caves.

Many mountaineers, tourists, archeologists, artists and trekkers find their way to this historic site.

Since 1996, more than 4000 trees of different varieties have been planted on the hillock; making this a lightly forested area.

Buddhist caves

The Pandavleni caves belong to the 1st century BC to 4th century AD period.

They are a group of 24 Buddhist caves, which contain large rare inscriptions of great historical interest.

Buddhists of the Hinayaha Faith excavated the caves.

A number of the caves are Viharas or monasteries.

These were excavated following orders from the Mother of the famous Satvahana King Gautamiputra Satkarni.

Rare inscriptions

Various inscriptions make for fascinating reading.

The inscription in cave number 10 speaks of the donations made by Ushadatta, the son-in-law of Kshatrapa Nahapana 

(c 120 AD).

Cave number 17 contains an inscription stating that a "Yavana" (the Greek) named Indragnidatta and his son Dharmarakshit excavated the vihara with a shrine and cisterns.

Cave number 18 - the oldest - is the chaitya: the hall of congregation.

The inscription engraved on the 5th and 6th pillars show that the hall was excavated by Bhattapalika, wife of the Royal officer Aghetyana and daughter of the Royal Officer Arahataya.

Gift of village

An inscription under the entrance's horseshoe arch records the gift of a village by Nashik's inhabitants for the upkeep of the chaitya.

Cave number 20, begun by an Ascetic named Bhopaki, was completed by Vasu, the wife of Mahasenapati Bhavogopa in the 7th year of the Satvahan King Gautamiputra Yajnashri Satkarni (c 166-198 AD).

Nashik heritage

So the Pandavleni caves are of great historical, archeological and spiritual significance. 

They form a valuable part of the heritage of Nashik.

Tuhin Bagi

Image of Pandavleni Caves