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Bhaja or Bhaje caves are located near Lonavala , Pune. These are a group of 22 rock-cut caves belonging to 2nd Century BC. The inscriptions inside the Bhaja caves depict Hinayana Buddhism sect and they are protected as a National Monument.
The significant features of the caves are the stupas and the wooden architecture. Bhaja caves are estimated to be atleast 2200 years old. The most important excavation is its Chaityagrha(stupa) with a vaulted horseshoe ceiling and wooden architecture. The stupa's unique style shows the techniques used in an ancient age.
The carvings inside the Chaityagrha show a woman playing Tabla and another performing a dance. These carvings gives a trace of the history of Tabla (India's percussion Instrument).
Bhaja caves have 14 stupas and these stupas are the relics of resident monks, who died in Bhaja. The names of prominent monks are inscribed on these stupas: Ampinika, Dhammagiri, and Sanghdina.
Bhaja caves are a famous tourist attraction in Pune. Visiting this ancient site will definitely interesting!
Chaityagrha
The most prominent stupa
Photo Courtesy: Elroy Serrao
Carvings in Chaityagrha
Carvings portraying women playing Tabla
Photo Courtesy: Sagarborkar
A Stupa
A stupa inside the caves
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
Wooden Architecture
Wooden ceiling in Chaityagrha
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
A Carving
Carving on the wall
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
The Bhaja Caves
A building inside Bhaja
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
Ruined Carvings
A Sculpture on the Pillar
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
Waterfall Inside the Caves
A waterfall near the last cave
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
A Major Portion of the Caves
The main part of the Bhaja Caves
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
Facade of the Caves
The Exterior design of the Caves
Photo Courtesy: Soham Banerjee
An Overview of Bhaja
Panoramic view of the caves
Photo Courtesy: Sharhari89
The Stone Steps
Stone steps leading to the caves
Photo Courtesy: Amitmahadik100
