Pandavleni Caves

Trirashmi Leni (also known as Pandu Caves and other variations) (Leni is a Marathi word for caves), are a group of 24 caves carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE, 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, Maharashtra, India.

The caves, known as Trirashmi Buddhist Caves (erroneosly known as Pandav Caves) were carved out from the 2nd century BCE till the 5th century CE as a part of donation by the Buddhist Kings, merchants and local people for the Buddhist monks. The name is derived from the word "Tiranhu" which is inscribed in the Caves. It means "rays of sunlight" which is quite obvious referring to the rays of sunlight emerging from behind the Caves as seen from the village. These caves were carved and donated by various kings that ruled Nashik - The Satavahanas, The Nahapanas, The Abhirs. 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. The peak of the Trirashmi Caves is also accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but the path is well built with steps.

These caves are one of the oldest caves of Maharashtra.. 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. Chaityas are used for chanting and meditation.

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