Khambhalida Caves

Khambhalida Caves, or Rajkot Caves, are three Buddhist caves located near Gondal in Rajkot district, Gujarat, India.

Khambhalida Caves
Khambhalida Buddhist caves, Gujarat.
Location in Gujarat
Khambhalida Caves (Gujarat)
Coordinates21.7753°N 70.7078°E / 21.7753; 70.7078
Pilgrimage to
Buddha's
Holy Sites
The Four Main Sites
Four Additional Sites
Other Sites
Later Sites

Architecture

P. P. Pandya, a prominent archeologist, discovered these Buddhist caves in 1958. These caves are maintained by the Archaeology Department of Gujarat state.

The caves are situated at the foot of small hillocks on the banks of a spring. They are carved out of limestone rocks. There are three caves, the central one contains the stupa which is known as chaitya cave. There are two sculptures of Bodhisattva on the either sides of the gate of the chaitya cave. On the left, the figure is probably Padmapani under Ashoka-like tree with a female companion and five attendants. There is a yaksha-like dwarf on the left of it holding a basket. The figure on the right is probably Vajrapani under Ashoka-like tree with similar attendants. The broad belts of female are similar to that of figures at Uparkot Caves of Junagadh. They are comparable to late Kushana-Kshatapa period sculptures elsewhere as well as features some late Andhra mannerism.[1] The caves are believed to have come into existence in the 4th or 5th century AD.[2]

The another cave on the left is deep and huge and is open in the front. It may have used for meditation by the monks.[1][3]

There are 15 small caves situated near the Khambhalida caves. They are probably carved by the Lesser Vehicle branch of Buddhism.

  • The caves
  • The caves

Other information

A modern large Buddhist temple complex is coming up near by.

It is said that for centuries Gir Forest extended till Khambhalida Village.

Further reading
  • TNN (9 February 2011). "Buddha caves to draw tourists". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
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References
  1. Nanavati, J. M.; Dhaky, M. A. (1 January 1969). "The Maitraka and the Saindhava Temples of Gujarat". Artibus Asiae. Supplementum. 26: 15–17. doi:10.2307/1522666.
  2. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. "Khambhalida Caves". Gujarat Tourism, Govt. of Gujarat. Archived from the original on 27 November 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  3. http://www.discoveredindia.com/gujarat/attractions/caves/khambhalid-caves-rajkot.htm

21.7753°N 70.7083°E / 21.7753; 70.7083


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