Pandavleni Caves (Pandav Leni)
Buddha Leni is situated at a distance of 9km from Central Bus Stand.These are three mountain peaks of Anjinagiri mountain ranges.These caves are 2000 years old.The engravings inside the gumpha are of Buddha .These historical caves created B.C.100 to 110 are located on a tableland on the Trivashmi Hill. Together, there are 29 caves and a training centre for Buddha worshippers. Icons of Bhagwan Gautam Buddha & Bodhisatva are wonderful crafted .Inside the caves one can see idols of Buddha, Bodhisatva. The cave complex contains large caves which were the meeting places of the disciples, where sermons were preached. The caves were well designed with several water tanks chiseled into the rock.
A cluster of Hinayana Buddhist rock cut caves dating from around the 1st century BC Pandavleni caves, are located on the Trivashmi hills. Remarkably carved doorways and brilliant sculptures are the main characteristics of Buddha caves, which might have been used as the dwelling places of the monks.
Out of the 24 caves, 3, 10, 18 caves are really worth mentioning for their outstanding sculptures. The caves houses icons of Buddha, and Bodhisattva. The interiors of the caves were popular meeting places for the disciples, where sermons were concerned. Proficiently molded water tanks on the rocks make one astounding.
About 9 kms. south of in pathardigaon Nasik, is a group of 24 Hinayana Buddhist Caves dating from around the 1st century BC to the 2nd AD. The most important in this group are number 18 and 20. Except caves no. 18, the rest of the caves are Viharas or Monasteries. This group of caves is one of the most important and intriguing in western India. The oldest historical place in Nashik is Tri-Rashmi caves.
The famous Dadasaheb Phalke Smarak and Buddhasmarak are soon to be opened for public, which are known for their creativity and only of their kind. Cave 3 is a large vihara with some interesting sculptures. Cave 10 is also a vihara and almost identical in design to cave 3, although it is much older and finer in its detail. It is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala.
Cave 18 is a chaitya believed to date from the same time as the Karla Cave and is well sculptured. Its elaborate facade is particularly noteworthy. The cave houses the idols of Buddha, Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo, the icons of Bodhisatva, Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi. The interiors of the caves were popular meeting places for the disciples, where sermons were conducted. There are attractive water tanks very skillfully chiselled into the rock. The 2000-yr-old Buddhaleni caves, built by the Jain kings, are located on a tableland atop the Trivashmi Hill, close to the Mumbai Road.
Excavated in Trirashmi Hill, it is also called the caves of the Buddha. A renovation drive by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State tourism department promises the construction of a stairway from the base to the top of the caves. Buddhalena caves are rich in inscriptions throwing light on the history of the Satavahana and Kushana dynasties. Some of the finest caves or viharas are the GuatamiputraVihara, Nahapana Vihara and Mahayana Vihara, which must be visited for their interesting sculptures.
By Rail and Road:
Nashik is well connected by road and rail with all the major places within and outside the state. It also has got a railway station. State transport ply buses regularly connecting Nashik with major cities of Maharashtra like Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad etc.
Location:
About 8 kms. south of Nasik