Gandharpale Caves Explained

Gandharpale Caves
Governing Body:	Archeological Survey of India

Gandharpale Caves, also called Mahad caves is group of 30 Buddhist caves, 105 km south of Mumbai on Mumbai-Goa Highway near Mahad.^[1] The caves are located near the NH-17 and well connected by road.

Important cave include:

• Cave 1: has Verandah in front 53 feet long and 8 feet wide. Shrine has sculpture images of Buddha, with wheel and deer beneath
• Cave 8: it has high dogoba
• Cave 15: has dogoba
• Cave 21: seated Buddha with attendants

The inscription describes donations by bankers, and the gift of a farm to the Sangha.

Notes and References

1. Book: Ahir, D. C.. Buddhist sites and shrines in India : history, art, and architecture. 2003. Sri Satguru Publ.. Delhi. 8170307740. 198. 1..