TriRashmi Caves in Nashik city

In Maharashtra there were more than eight hundred caves of Buddha dhamma. Caves in Nasik are located at 8 k.m. away from Nasik city. This Mountain known as trirashmi Hills. Caves are located midway up the trirashmi hills facing north east.

There are all together twenty four caves, these caves are locally known as pandava caves but actually these are Buddhist caves. Though many of these are small and incomplete but some very important caves in this group .which can represent the Buddhist architecture. The important caves in this group are caves no.18 which is chaitya and cave no 3, 10, & 20 Are Vihars. Among the monasteries cave no. 3, 10, 20, have out shone others in size planning & Splendors have elicited and acclamation on account of their unique combination of the architectural Grandeur and sculptural embellishment.

Cave no. 1 : In this cave there are four stambha’s at front side .on the upper side of stambha We find mahirap. In left & right side there is two cells, this cave is incomplete.

Cave no. 2 : It is a small cave, in this cave sculptur of Buddha in padamasana position; at right Side we can see some other Buddha sculptur.

Cave no. 3 : This cave built by gautamiputra satkarni For the Buddha bhikshus so it is named as "gautamiputra cave" it is also known as ‘Devi lene’ which is written in inscription in cave no19. That, this cave is built by gautamiputra satkarni in memory of his mother "gautmi balshri". This is largest vihar among the all monasteries in front of the main hall there is a big Varandha.In varanda there is 6 stambha’s which chisele out from rock is beautifully. In hall there is bench of three sides and 18 cells in the hall .seven on the right side, five on the left side and six in the back side .the stup is beautifully carved on the back wall of cave. On the top of stambha. There is stambha pattika, on the top, and several of animals are carved on it.


Cave no. 10 : The main attraction of the Trirashmi Caves is Cave No. 10, also known as the Chaitya Cave. This cave is a large prayer hall, with a stupa at the center and a horseshoe-shaped ceiling. The walls of the cave are adorned with intricate carvings of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha.

This cave is known as ‘nahapana cave’, because it contain six inscription of the family of nahapana. It is the scound largest vihara in this series and one of the most intresting, it is purer in style and superior in excavation. This cave is known for its decorated pillars which considered being the best specimen of this age in this cave we find longest inscription on the back wall of varanda.from this inscription we find information that shatrapa nahapan’s son in law ushavadaat and his wife dakshamitra donated land and money. For this cave.

Cave no. 18 : In this group of caves no 18 is chaitya griha which is enriched with pilasters with bell capital alternated by representation of stupa on the background of lattical screens.

Cave no. 20 : It is the largest vihar among all the caves. This cave had long varanda, three doors for main hall in the hall there is one smaller hall and in this hall we find huge sculptor of Buddha, in 'dhammchakra pravartan mudra'. When we entered in the main hall we find 8 cells in the left side 8 cells in the right side and three at front side one bhikshu named bopki started for this cave, and wife of bhavgopa completed this cave. We find this information from the inscription in the cave. Important thing is the sthamba in these cave carvings depict people, lions and elephants.

The Trirashmi Caves, also known as Pandavleni Caves, are a group of 24 Buddhist caves located on a hill in Nashik city, Maharashtra, India. These caves were built between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD, during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty.

The Trirashmi Caves are a popular tourist destination in Nashik city, known for their ancient Buddhist architecture and intricate carvings. The caves are carved out of the basalt rock and are located on a hill, providing a panoramic view of the city.

The caves are named after the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, who are believed to have stayed here during their exile. The Trirashmi Caves were also used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and worship.

The caves are divided into two groups - the Hinayana caves and the Mahayana caves. The Hinayana caves are the earlier caves, dating back to the 2nd century BC. They are simple in design and contain a single cell or shrine for meditation. The Mahayana caves were built later, during the 2nd century AD. They are more elaborate in design and contain intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddhist deities.

The Trirashmi Caves are a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. They provide a glimpse into the life of the ancient Buddhist monks and their devotion to the teachings of Buddha. The caves are also a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of different religions in India.

Visitors to the Trirashmi Caves can explore the caves and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures. The hill on which the caves are located provides a stunning view of the city, making it a popular spot for photography. The caves are open to visitors throughout the year, and a small entrance fee is charged.

The Trirashmi Caves, also known as Pandavleni Caves, are a group of 24 Buddhist caves located on a hill in Nashik city, Maharashtra, India. These caves were built between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD, during the rule of the Satavahana dynasty.

The Trirashmi Caves are a popular tourist destination in Nashik city, known for their ancient Buddhist architecture and intricate carvings. The caves are carved out of the basalt rock and are located on a hill, providing a panoramic view of the city.

The caves are named after the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, who are believed to have stayed here during their exile. The Trirashmi Caves were also used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and worship.

The caves are divided into two groups - the Hinayana caves and the Mahayana caves. The Hinayana caves are the earlier caves, dating back to the 2nd century BC. They are simple in design and contain a single cell or shrine for meditation. The Mahayana caves were built later, during the 2nd century AD. They are more elaborate in design and contain intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddhist deities.

The main attraction of the Trirashmi Caves is Cave No. 10, also known as the Chaitya Cave. This cave is a large prayer hall, with a stupa at the center and a horseshoe-shaped ceiling. The walls of the cave are adorned with intricate carvings of Buddhist deities and scenes from the life of Buddha.

Another popular cave is Cave No. 18, also known as the Veera Maruti Cave. This cave contains a sculpture of Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god. It is believed that this cave was used by both Buddhists and Hindus for worship.

The Trirashmi Caves are a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of India. They provide a glimpse into the life of the ancient Buddhist monks and their devotion to the teachings of Buddha. The caves are also a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of different religions in India.

Visitors to the Trirashmi Caves can explore the caves and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures. The hill on which the caves are located provides a stunning view of the city, making it a popular spot for photography. The caves are open to visitors throughout the year, and a small entrance fee is charged.


 References -

  • Atul A.Ohal Special references of Trirashmi Caves
  • Harsh Nirbhavane Construction and designing of this web page related to trirashmi caves in nashik
  • Subhash Sonawane provided information about CAVE ARCHITECTURE IN NASIK reference from Global Online Electronic International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (GOEIIRJ)
  • Gitesh Nikam & Anand Kole co-ordinator for collecting references.