Around 50 kilometers from Pune, aloof in the middle of Paddy fields and Ghats, a
small road head towards a hill top where one of the oldest Buddhist caves are
located. These shrines came into existence within the period of 2nd century BC
to 2nd century AD. The place,definitely made for prayers by Buddhist
monks corroborated by Stupa kind of
structure in its main hall.Not very far away and dated around the same time,are the caves of more celebrated Ajanta and Ellora.
We climbed around 500
steps before reaching the cave site. Karla and Bhaje are situated on different
hill tops but the kind of architecture and model does replicate. There are
around 16 caves out of which cave 8 is main hall and only accessible to
visitors. It is believed these caves are of Mahayana Buddhism. The Caves used to
act as Buddhist monastery. There are pillars on both sides of the hall and a
stupa is present at the end of hall. On some pillars,engraved writings in Pali
language can be seen however no translation
is available . Above every pillar,is present, a paired statute of scantily clad
mithuna couples which shows our past has
those sensuous behavior in public which is considered now as taboo. The Caves
are two floor structures which has a grand gate and when you enter through it,
rock cut elephants welcome you which again establish their association with
Buddhism as it is considered in Buddhism that Buddha was born as an elephant in
his previous incarnation. The sculpture consists of Buddha, elephant and
Mithuna couples.There are other caves as well which are mainly small rooms and
perhaps used by Monks for their stay.
Just in front of the main hall gate, a temple is present
which is dedicated to goddess Ekveera, a deity of Koli (fisherman) community of
Maharashtra. Mainly people you find in the Cave complex are devotes to Goddess
Ekveera,with a few exception of history enthusiast.
Bhaje caves is located around 7 kms from Karla. The
architecture of Caves is quite similar to Karla, the difference we found was
instead of rock cut pillars like Karla, Bhaje caves has wooden structures in
its main hall which is quite unique because wooden architecture is not found in
any such similar caves. There are many smaller stupas in its complex which is
considered relics of Buddhist monks.
Buddha gave emphasis on Bheeksha for its followers and these
Monks used to practice his sayings and lived in most remote places of country. Karla and Bhaje
are few of its kind. The place has beautiful architecture and sculptures but it
is entirely unknown to the outside world.
There really is so much to do in Maharashtra, but I've only been to Mumbai, Nashik and Shirdi... I'll need to get back there some time!!
ReplyDelete