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Concept
Shivneri Caves
Summary
The Shivneri Caves are artificial caves dug for Buddhist monks circa the 1st century CE. These are now famous tourist attractions located on Shivneri Hill, about 2 km Southwest of Junnar, India. Other caves around the city of Junnar are: Manmodi Caves, Lenyadri, and the Tulja Caves.
The Shivneri Buddhist caves are located near Shivneri Fort on the top of the hill, where Shivaji Maharaja was born. It is a group of 60 caves that were excavated in the first part of the 1st century CE. At the beginning of the 2nd century CE, these caves were a flourishing center of Buddhist activities. The caves are essentially made of viharas or small cells, but there are also chaityas. The caves are scattered on three sides of the west–east-south triangle formed by Shivneri Mountain.
The caves are scattered around the hill, and categorized into several groups: the East group (1, 2 and 3), the West group, and the South group. Among the most important caves, we can mention:
Cave 26 – a two-story Vihara
Cave of 45 – Known as "Bara-kotri", it has 12 cells for resident monks.
Shivneri_fort1.JPG|Shivneri hill, east side, seen from [[Junnar]].
Caves around Junnar.jpg|Location of Buddhist caves, including Shivneri Caves, around the city of Junnar.
Shivneri caves East facing group 3.jpg|Shivneri East face, Group 3.
Shivneri East facing Group 1.jpg|Shivneri East face, Group 1.
Cave 47 is on the south face of Shivneri (). It is one of the most remarkable Chaityas of the group. Inside are two rounded pillars and tiered capitals, similar to those found in Nasik (Pandavleni Caves). The hall measures 9.9x6.5m, and has a height of 5.8m. The cave contains a very beautiful stūpa with a "rail pattern" at the top. It is surmounted by a parasol. The ceiling is painted in color, consisting of squares in which are concentric circles of color (orange, brown and white).
The chaitya has on its outer face the dedicatory inscription of a merchant:
"A pious gift of charity, designed for the sanctuary, for the good and happiness of all, by Virasenaka, distinguished head of the family, confessor of Dharma"
Shivneri south facing group of caves.
Official source
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