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Pandu Leni
(also known as Trirashmi Caves and other variations) (Leni is Marathi
word for caves), are a group of 24 caves carved between the 3rd century
BC and the 2nd century AD, representing the Hinayana Buddhist caves and
has nothing to do with the characters of Mahabharata (the Pandavas).
Most of the caves are Viharas except for the 18th cave which is a
Chaitya. The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site and is
located about 8 km south of Nashik, Mahara Shtra, India.
History
The caves can be traced back up to 3rd century BC. Out of the
twenty-four caves, two caves are a major attraction.
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The main
cave which is the Chaitya (prayer hall) has a beautiful stupa and the
second one is cave no. 10 which is complete in all structural as well
inscriptions. Both the caves have carvings and inscriptions also. The
caves are facing eastwards. It is recommended to visit the caves early
morning as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced.
The caves
were called Pundru which in Pali language means "yellow ochre color".
This is because the caves were the residence of Buddhist monks who wore
"the chivara or the yellow robes". Later on, the word Pundru changed to
Pandu Caves (as per Ancient Monuments Act 26 May 1909). Decades later
people started calling it Pandav Caves - a misnomer which is used for
every cave in India.
The various inscriptions confirm that Nashik in that period was ruled by
3 kings – The Kshatrapas, The Satavahanas and The Abhirs. It seems there
was always a conflict between Satavahanas and the Kshatrapas over
supremacy.
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However, all the 3 kings fully supported Buddhism though they were
not Buddhist in real sense. The inscriptions also confirm that apart
from the kings, local merchants, landlords too supported and donated
huge sums for the development of these caves.
The inscriptions of cave no.10 reveal that in 105-106 BC, Ksatrapas
defeated the Satavahanas after which Kshatrap Nahapana’s son-in-law and
Dinika’s son- Usabhdatta donated 3000 gold coins for this cave as well
as for the food and clothing of the monks. Usabhdatta’s wife (Nahapana’s
daughter), Dakshmitra also donated one cave for the Buddhist monks.
Caves
The caves were carved out from the 4th century BC till the 12th century
AD as abodes for the idols of the local kings. The caves lodge idols of
Buddha and Bodhisattva. Some caves are intricately connected by
stone-cut ladders that join them to the other caves. Steps lead to the
caves from the bottom of the hill.
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The peak
of the Pandavleni is also
accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but the path is well built with
steps.
Some of the caves are large and contain numerous chambers - these
rock-cut caves served as a viharas or monasteries for the disciples to
meet and hear sermons. They contain interesting sculptures. One of the
vihara caves is older and finer in sculptural detail and is thought to
be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Another cave (cave No.
18) is a Chaitya and is similar in age to the Karla Cave and has a
particularly elaborate facade.
The site has an excellent ancient water management system and skillfully
chiseled out of solid rock are several attractive water tanks.
Attractions
Inscriptions in caves 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19 and 20 are legible. Cave
15 - 'Sri Yajna Vihar' inscription mentions Sri Yajna Satkarni, the last
Satvahana King who ruled over the western Maharashtra. Similar
inscription in cave 3 at Kanheri. This means probably the cave was
carved during the beginning of the 3rd century AD. Other inscriptions
note the names Bhattapalika, Gautamiputra Satkarni, Vashishthiputra
Pulumavi of the Satvahanas and two of the Kshatrapas, Dakshamitra and
Ushavadant. Cave 10 - 'Nahapan Vihar' is spacious with 16 rooms.
Since the caves were inhibited by the Mahayana as well as the Hinayana
sects of Buddhism, one can see a nice confluence of structural and
carvings.
Routes
The caves are located high in the mountains of Trirashmi. Some caves are
intricately connected by stone-cut ladders that join them to the other
caves. Steps lead to the caves from the bottom of the hill. The peak of
the Trirashmi Caves is also accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but
the path is treacherous and dangerous. Its good destination where the
person feel relax.
Getting
There
Nearest
airport is Ozar
Airport (IATA: ISK, ICAO: VAOZ) which is located at Ozar, 15
kilometres (9.3 mi) northeast of the city of Nashik, Maharashtra.
Currently there are no scheduled airlines operating at this Airport.
Nasik Road
Railway Station is located at a distance of 9 km from Nashik city
centre. Taxis are available at the railway station for travel to
different parts of the city and outside.
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