Mahakali / Kondivita Buddhist Caves

About:

The Mahakali Caves (formerly Kondivita Caves) are Buddhist caves dating back almost two thousand years, located in the city of Mumbai (Bombay), India.These are rock-cut Buddhist caves situated in the Udayagiri hills, about 6.5km from Mumbai.It is carved out of a solid black basalt rock.It is located between Andheri, Jogeshwari and Vikhroli, sandwiched between the Borivali National Park and Aarey Milk Colony.

It is surrounded by encroachments and shanties and is declared endangered.Like Kanheri caves, Kondivita was also a centre of Buddhism so the modern name ‘Mahakali Caves’ is misplaced. The caves are carved into a long hillside, which immediately brings to mind Kanheri. But the large pillared chaitya and bas-relief Buddhas of Kanheri are not to be found here. Instead, one small cave in the middle houses a stupa inside a capsule like chamber. The right wall of this cave has a panel depicting a seated Buddha and a few Buddhist legends. Funnily, the stupa has been appropriated by Shaivites as a lingam.

Location info:

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History:

These are rock-cut Buddhist caves situated in the Udayagiri hills, about 6.5km from Mumbai. These were excavated during 200 BC to 600 AD and are now in ruins. They comprise of 4 caves on the southeastern face and 15 caves on the northwestern face. Cave 9 is the chief cave and is the oldest and consists of a stupa and figures of Lord Buddha.The Kondivita or Mahakali caves in Andheri East are by far the cleanest of Mumbai’s lesser caves. This complex is fairly big, with around 20 cells and caves, but the stress here is on function, not form.

Like Kanheri, Kondivita was also a centre of Buddhism so the modern name ‘Mahakali Caves’ is misplaced. The caves are carved into a long hillside, which immediately brings to mind Kanheri. But the large pillared chaitya and bas-relief Buddhas of Kanheri are not to be found here. Instead, one small cave in the middle houses a stupa inside a capsule like chamber. The right wall of this cave has a panel depicting a seated Buddha and a few Buddhist legends. Funnily, the stupa has been appropriated by Shaivites as a lingam.

Two other caves in Kondivita merit attention. One is the first cave, which has a multi-tiered look. It was probably used for meditation. The other interesting cave is towards the end of the row. It has a small pillared hall with nine chambers opening into it.

Interesting things to do:

Explore the beauty and hitory of the caves.

There are a number of great parks to visit such as the Five Gardens, Kamala Nehru Park,Jehangir Art gallery and the Princes of Wales museum, to name but a few. For entertainment Shopping at the Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street will provide for an exciting tour of the commercial district.

Interesting things to Visit:

For A Healthy Holiday ,Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai - Pune highway at an altitude of 625m, quite popular as health resorts. Blessed by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places of Tourist Attraction in Lonavala & Khandala - Beautiful Hills, Deep Green Valleys, Huge Lakes, Historic Forts, Waterfalls, etc.

Khandala:
Khandala is an impressive hill station, cuddled up in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. Endowed with nature's splendor, Khandala makes a quick excursion at a distance of 101 kms from the bustling city of Mumbai. This beautiful place immersed in pastoral beauty, had been known since years.

Lonavala:
Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, often called the 'Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains' in India. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Lonavla is much preferred hill resort to the Mumbaikars, especially since it is only 96 kms from Mumbai.

Matheran:
Set in the lap of nature, Matheran is probably the smallest hill station in India. It is located about 108 kms from Mumbai city, in the Karjat Tehsil of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 803 metres. The pastoral beauty of this tiny hill station is exceptionally striking, more so because of motor transport ban in the region.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

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.

Elephanta Caves : Located at a distance of 9 miles from Mumbai, the Elephanta caves are beautiful rock cut cave temples dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. In the Elephanta caves, Lord Shiva has been shown in three major forms, of being that of constructor, protector and destroyer.

Bhaja Caves : The Bhaja caves, which are 18 in number, are situated at a distance of 12 kilometers from Lonavla in Maharashtra. These caves, which belongs to the 2nd century BCE, are one of the most beautiful caves in India.

Pithalkora Caves : Dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, the Pithalkora caves are located on the Satmala hills, 78 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These caves, including mainly temples, monasteries and viharas, are dedicated to the oldest Theravadin sect of Buddhism.

Junnar Caves : The Junnar caves, located on the Mumbai - Aurangabad way, 177 kilometers from Mumbai, belong to 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. These caves, Buddhist in nature are one of the best well sculptured caves of Maharashtra.

Ajanta Caves : Situated on the Sahyadri hills, around 108 kilometers from Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the Ajanta caves dates back to the ancient period and forms probably one of the earliest Buddhist caves in the world. Dedicated to the Buddha, these caves were basically used by the Buddhist monks as their residence and meditation centres.

Ellora Caves : The Ellora caves, the finest examples of cave-temple architecture, reflects the love and respect for all the religions in India, as it comprises the cave temples related to all three major religions in the ancient India - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. These caves are located 28 kilometers from Aurangabad and belongs to the period between 5th century CE to the 11th century CE.

Aurangabad Buddhist Caves : These caves dates back to the 4th-8th century CE, built by the Vakatakas and the Chalukyas.
The Aurangabad caves mainly deals with the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Ramada Palm Grove Mumbai
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049 - 022 26112323

Grand Hyatt Hotel Mumbai
Off Western Express Highway,, Santa Cruz East,, Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra 400055 - 022 6693 1234

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Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Nearest Hospital:

Nanavati Hospital
Mumbai, Mumbai suburban, Maharashtra - 022 26118693

Asian Heart Institute
Mumbai, Mumbai suburban, Maharashtra - 022 66986666