Mahakali Caves || Ancient Caves in Mumbai ||Archaeological Site in Mumbai

Mahakali Caves || Ancient Caves in Mumbai || Archaeological Site in Mumbai
#cavesinindia #buddhistcaves #historyofindia

The Kondivite Caves, also Mahakali Caves, are a group of 19 rock-cut monuments built between 1st and 6th century.

This Buddhist monastery is located in the eastern suburb of Mumbai (Andheri East). The monument consists of two groups of rock-cut caves – 4 caves more to the north-west and 15 caves more to the south-east. Most caves are viharas and cells for monks, but Cave 9 of the south-eastern group is chaitya. Caves in the northwest have been created mainly in the 4th – 5th century, while the south-eastern group is older. The monument contains also rock-cut cisterns and remnants of other structures.
Caves are carved out of a solid black basalt rock.
These rock-cut caves have existed since the ancient Ashoka Empire, used by Buddhist monks as dwellings and meditation chambers as much as 2,000 years ago.
Most of the caves are simple and small, with minimal carvings or ornamentation—stark chambers were used as dwellings for the monks and a place to meditate. The exception is the chaitya, the main Buddhist shrine and prayer hall, which is adorned with stupas and large carved statues of Buddha idols. Some of the cave walls have scriptures carved in Pali, a language considered older even than Sanskrit.
Strangely, the modern name of these Buddhist caves, Mahakali, refers to the Hindu goddess Kali. This is something of a misnomer, and likely comes from the fact that there is a Hindu temple to Kali nearby. The site is also known as the Kondivite Caves, after the nearby Kondivite village. Interestingly, one of the stupas originally erected as a Buddhist monument is now revered as a Hindu lingam statue. 

Location :
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FhF8QiAsQ8han...

Timings :
Everyday opened from 9am - 5pm

Tickets :
Online ticket Rs 20 / person.

Request :
Plz do not throw garbage in the premises.
Do not write or scribble anything on the walls of the caves.