Approximately thirty Buddhist rock-cut caves known as Lenyadri caves can be found in the Junnar district of Pune, Maharashtra. From east to west, 26 of the 30 caves have sequential numbers. The remaining caves, referred to as viharas, are the monks’ living quarters, while caves numbered six through fourteen are chapels, or chaitya-grihas. The shape of these viharas is fashioned like cells. Two of the rock-carved water cisterns are adorned with inscriptions.
The Sanskrit term “Adri” (stone-resistant) and the Marathi word “Lena,” which signifies cave, are the roots of the name “Lenyadri.” The caves all have a similar layout, usually consisting of one or two sides and two long benches for the inhabitants to utilise.
The well-known Hindu temple to the god Ganesha is located in Cave 7. It is one of the temples in the group of eight revered sites in the western region of Maharashtra known as Ashtavinayak. Additionally connected to Buddhism is the Hinayana sect, which is represented by the caves.
History of Lenyadri Caves
These caves date from the first to the third century A.D. The Ganesha temple in Cave 7 is believed to have been built in the first century A.D. It is unclear when this Buddhist shrine was transformed into a Hindu temple. These caves were built by Buddhists as places to live and pray. The monks used the viharas as their place of residence and the chaitya griha as a place to pray.
Activities to do in and around
Girijatmaj shrine lies 200 steps above one of the caves; visitors must ascend these stairs to get to the shrine. The monsoon season is not ideal for visiting this temple; nevertheless, older persons can purchase Doli for around Rs 700/-.
There are many stores selling tea and snacks, but be mindful of the monkeys here. The Ganpati bapa Morya is the idol.
Entry Fee
The cost of an entry ticket is Rs 100 for foreign visitors and Rs 10 for Indian tourists per person.
How to reach
You can travel by road, train, or air to get to these caves. The closest airport to Junnar is in Pune. Pune has excellent connections to all of India’s main cities. Travellers may take a bus from the Pune airport to the Lenyadri caves. The closest train station to Junnar is located 74 kilometres away in Pune. Tourists may take local buses from the Pune Railway Station to the caves.
By bus, one may go from Pune to the caves via the road. Travellers may board the bus in Pune at the Shivaajinagar bus terminal, in Mumbai at the Mumbai Central bus stand, and in Thane at the Kalyan ST stand.
Ideal Time to Visit Caves
To avoid the intense summer heat, November through February is the ideal time to explore these caves. Visitors may enjoy the grandeur of the rain-washed caves from August to October.
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