Karla Caves

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Karla Caves: Blend Of Spirituality & Nature

Whenever we think of caves, an image of a stone or rocks in ruin state comes into a mind. But when you look at Karla caves also known as Karle cave you are completely startle to see the beauty and the architecture and the skill with which it has been built. What has led to the formation of such huge cave? Who built it and how? When was it built and how long did it take to complete this enormous structure? These entire questions will make you baffled and curious.

One fact that will absolutely make your jaw drop is that the construction of these caves can be dated back to second sanctuary B.C. The structure and the architecture tell you so much about Karla caves.

ARCHITECTURE OF KARLA CAVES

These are also referred as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells. The caves and the karla temple are located at 10 km away from the hustle bustle of Lonavala. It is believed that these are the oldest of the cave shrines and these are associated with the Mahāsāṃghika sect of Buddhism which was prominent in this region of India.

CHAITYAGRIHA

Although there are other caves called bhaja caves, bedse caves etc. but this one is special and famous because of chaityagriha or Great Chaitya cave, or Cave No.8, a prayer hall of 120 CE.

This Chaityagriha is 45 metres long and up to 14 metre high. It is completely carved out of rock nothing has been used in addition to it. There are fifteen pillars flanked on both the side of the hall which is adorned with beautiful sculptures of human and animals. So the whole structure looks very beautiful with all the detailing. Also when you see at the ceiling you will get to see the wooden work which is approximately two thousand years old. To see how it used to look hundred years before you can go through a Wikipedia page which has its old photograph. The beautiful carving on the walls actually say lot more about the skills the people had had that time. The beautiful carving on the walls actually say lot more about the skills the people had had that time.

Karle cave in lonavla are a must visit caves for all history lovers. It will take you back in time and you will be drawn closer to the nature as it is blend of spirituality and natural beauty!

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Karle Caves: The Gift of Ancient History

Where is a karle caves?

Karla caves are approximately eleven Kilometres away from Lonavala. These caves are a beautiful complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karli. Therefore it is called Karla caves. These are also referred to as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells. There are many things that you get to see and do in Karla caves. The Karla caves are a famous point of attraction of Lonavala tourism and host several tourists from every part of the country. Here are some facts and interesting features of Karla caves.

Historical Significance and architecture

The historical findings like different sources like carbon dating and rock inscriptions can be affirmed that these are the oldest of the cave shrines. It is believed that these caves developed over a considerable period of time, from the second century BC to around the tenth century A.D.! Their affiliations can be referred to the Mahāsāṃghika sect of Buddhism which was prominent in this region of India.

The architecture is a blend of Indian and Buddhist styles. It follows the pattern which is usual for the architecture of a similar period. What makes Karla different from the rest of the caves are the perfection and the quintessential vastness. One such example of the uniqueness and great architecture is reflected in the main cave of Karle cave called the Chaitanya cave. The carvings of the magnificent Chaitya Griha mostly describe human forms, lions and elephants, with Mithuna, or women and men.

CHAITYAGRIHA

Although there are other caves called bhaja caves, bedse caves etc. but this one is special and famous because of chaitya griha or Great Chaitya cave, or Cave No.8, a prayer hall of 120 CE. This Chaitya Griha is 45 metres long and up to 14 metres high. It is completely carved out of the rock; nothing has been used in addition to it. There are fifteen pillars flanked on both the side of the hall which is adorned with beautiful sculptures of humans and animals. So the whole structure looks very beautiful with all the detailing. Also when you look at the ceiling you will get to see the wooden work which is approximately two thousand years old. To see how it used to look a hundred years before you can go through a Wikipedia page which has its old photograph. The beautiful carving on the walls actually says a lot more about the skills the people had had that time. The beautiful carving on the walls actually says a lot more about the skills the people had had that time.

What makes Carla caves different from other caves?

The first thing which makes Karle caves stand out from rest is the chaitya griha and the second thing is the lighting. The Karla caves are best known for the lighting you will get to see in the caves. Huge windows are carved on the rock, so that hard sunlight penetrates in a proper tone, and hit the sculpture and carvings with perfect light to add value in their already exquisite contours.

The third thing is the Karla temple known as Ekvira temple. Ekvira Aai Temple Lonavala is one of the ancient temples of India and a key point of attraction of Lonavala tourism. The construction of the temple can be dated back to two periods i.e. from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century.

One must visit Karla caves to understand the nuances of its historical significance. Read our other blogs to know more about other caves that are present in Lonavala.

[karlacaves]

All About Chaitya Griha!

Eleven Kilometres away from Lonavala, are a beautiful complex of ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karli called Karla caves. These are also referred as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells. There are many things that you get to see and do in karla caves.There is a karla temple known as ekvira mandir. The Karla caves are a famous point of attraction of lonavala tourism and hosts several tourists from every part of the country. Here are some facts and interesting features of karla caves. From different sources like carbon dating and rock inscriptions it is affirmed these are the oldest of the cave shrines and it is believed that they developed over a considerable period of time, from the second century BC to around the 10th century A.D.! Their affiliations can be referred to the Mahāsāṃghika sect of Buddhism which was prominent in this region of India.

What is chaitya griha?

A prayer hall of a temple is called as chaitya griha.It is used in Indian religion and mainly in Buddhism.other than India this term is also prevalent in other Buddhism following countries like Nepal, Cambodia and Indonesia.One will found the sme chaitya term in Hindu and Jainism too.karla caves pune too have a beautiful chaitya hall.

The detailed Framework

The chaitya griha is an indian rock cut architecture which is an amalgamation of timber and stone. The chaitya halls have two types one is Rock cut Chaitya Hall and second one is Free standing Chaitya halls.

The Rock cut Chaitya halls

These chatiya halls can be dated back to 3rd B.C.E.These chaitya halls were circular inscribed in a rectangle with pillars constructed around the stupas.The Bhaja Cave satya are the living example of such kinds of halls.It used to have wooden facade but now it is lost with the time.The Bedse cave is another example of Rock cut style architecture.These caves are polished in Mauryan style.Some other caves in this league is Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Aurangabad Cave etc.If one aspires to see some structure like this one must visit the karla chaitya hall 

Freestanding chaitya halls

A freestanding chaitya halls are made up of durable material such as stone.The Bairat temple is an example of such kind of halls.Trivikrama of maharashtra is another spectacular example of such kind of halls.

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Lonavala, The Jewel of Sahyadri

Lonavala is a popular hill station away from the hustle bustle of crowded metropolitan life in Mumbai. It is situated in the western region of the state of Maharashtra. Lonavala is 64 km away from Pune and 89 km away from Mumbai. Lonavala got its name from a Sanskrit word ‘Lonavli’ which means ‘caves’. The absolute meaning of Lonavala is ‘Len ‘which translates to a resting place carved from stone and ‘Avli’ which means a series. There are so many things other than lonavala tourism that makes lonavala different from the rest of the hill stations of India.

The foundation of Lonavala...

The Yadav kings ruled Lonavala and afterwards the Mughals took over this place. But it was In 1871, that Sir Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, founded Lonavala. Lonavala geographical location and climatic conditions give it edge over the other places and therefore was considered the perfect place for all popular resorts.

Hiking, trekking and camping…

This jewel of Sahyadri hills is also a popular and favourite spot for all kinds of adventurous activities. People who love hiking and trekking always find reason to spend their vacations at this place.

It’s all about caves…

One of the specialties of Lonavala tourism are ‘caves’. Karla caves are one of the major points of attraction in lonavala tourism. Buddhist Indian rock-cut caves at Karli called as Karla caves are located at 10.9 Kilometres away from Lonavala.Karle chaitya hall is a popular point of attraction. Bhaja Caves can be dated back to the 2nd century BC and is a group of twenty two rock-cut caves. These majestic caves are four hundred feet above the village of Bhaja. These caves belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhist.Another caves called Bedse caves belong to Satavahan period and are nearly nine kilometres away from Bhaja caves.It has two well-known caves ‘chaitya’ and  ‘vihara’.

Some other tourist spots…

Other than caves there are many other places of lonavala tourism that you will find worthy of your time. There is a lake called Pavana Lake where you will experience camping and live the life of nomads. It is also known as Pavana Dam Reservoir. An ancient fort of Rajmachi, located in the Karjat region is a perfect place for trekking. Kune Waterfalls is a perfect place to hangout. It is indeed a hidden treasure with lush green surroundings. Tikona Fort, a dominant hill fortress is a popular one-day trek spot of the Pawana Maval region of the Konkan. Lohagad Fort is architecturally significant, an ancient fort atop a hill. It is a popular spot for hiking, exploring. Lion's Pointis another famous attraction point of lonavala tourism to have a best view of nature. Some other famous places of lonavala tourism are Shirota Lake, Tiger's Leap, Della Adventure Park, Lonavala Lake, Bhimashankar Trail, Reverse Waterfall, Kataldhar Waterfall and Celebrity Wax Museum.

Reach here in no time…

Lonavala can be reached very easily as the place is very much near to the popular cities of Maharashtra; Mumbai and Pune. It is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. You can also reach Lonavala by train. Local trains run from Pune at every two hour interval. Although Lonavala does not have an airport, there is Pune International Airport at sixty four kilometres and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at one hundred and four kilometres.