BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGE |
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KANHERI CAVES -
Kanheri
caves, perhaps, are the most easily reachable among all caves, and also the
lonely one in the midst of a national park in India. The 109 caves are
reachable through the Sanjay Gandhi national park, a good way to reach a
religious destination. The place is splendid, considering the integration of
lush greens and rare artistic examples, but is surprising to learn that once
it was a thriving trade route, and home to a Buddhist university, well known
to the world.
The Buddhist pilgrim's progress ends not far from the Borivali railway
station, but more interestingly, for most, it is just a beginning of another
journey, spiritual and deeply religious.
Location :
The Kanheri caves are located 10 km away from Borivali, and in the midst
of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra.
Attractions
The caves are always beautiful, but the most exquisite piece of artistic
example lies at the top, where fantastic sculptures of goddess Tara and
Goddess Bhrukti with the central structure of Avalokiteswara, with five
symbols each in the right and the left is housed.
The caves are considered to be in use during the period of 1st century BC
to 9th century AD, primarily Buddhist monks, and some of the traders who
travelled from the nearby places for religious favors. However, the most
appealing is the Chaitya cave, built sometime during the 4th to 5th Century
AD, with signs of decorative woodwork on the roof still present, is
definitely a big draw for the tourists.
There are many sculptured statues of Buddha, on the outer sides of the
wall, mainly in the Avalokiteswara incarnation. There are, nevertheless,
difference in the artistic representation, when contrasted with one another,
may be due to the difference of time when they were built.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, with vivid treasury of wildlife, beautifully
green landscape, well laid zigzag roads and kind-hearted monkey band is
another plus point for making the place such a hotspot for the tourist folk.
The caves represent a golden beginning and the end of Buddhism in Northern
India.
Most interestingly, with the rock cut sculptures, the individual travellers
carved some useless graffiti out, and one will be amazed to know from these
graffiti that these caves have been in the tourist map from the 16th
century.
Excursions
Mumbai
:Visit the commercial capital of India, 42 km away, the heart of Indian
film Industry, Mumbai, is a splendid city for travellers. The Gateway of
India, Chwpatty beach, the Haji Ali Mosque, Juhu Beach, Crawford Market, The
Bomaby high court, and a vibrant nightlife are all part of this city. Most
of the wells known financial institutions are housed in this city that is
considered to be the richest in India. Actually one would feel comfortable
by not making Mumbai an excursion, rather making the process vice versa.
Matheran : A well-known hill station, Matheran is often
visited by people for its pollution free environment, and the beautiful
landscape. It is also reachable by a toy train from its foothills.
Thane : Thane is also a nice place to visit, known for
its lively atmosphere and boasts of the modern lifestyle. As many as 30
lakes are there in this city, the prominent one being the Masunda. Other
important places to visit are Yeoor hills and Mama-Bhanja Hills, Essel
World, and the Water Kingdom.
How to reach
Air : Mumbai airport is both a major airport and the most
convenient one to reach these caves.
Rail : Borivali is the nearest station but for major
trains Mumbai CST is preferable.
Road : It's a 10-minute Journey from the Borivali railway
station, however buses are available from Mumbai also.
Where
to stay
You can stay in Mumbai which, boasts of its industrial capital image
through many luxurious hotels.
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