Kanheri Caves

Description:

• Situated in what is now known as the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri caves were abode to the Buddhist monks in the 2nd century. The complex is divided into several caves that are dispersed over a hilly area— the temple and monasteries are situated here as well. These caves are unlike what one would find in the Elephanta caves nearby. Where they were ornamental, these are bare and minimalistic. But the still functional water harvesting systems with its old channels and cisterns, carved out in stone are testimony to the intricate and the genius construction. The central area of these caves has the dagoba—a Buddhist shrine, surrounded by mammoth pillars in a huge hall.
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