Through the meandering paths of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you can reach the staircase that leads to Kanheri Caves of Maharashtra. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Borivali, Kanheri Caves have a distinctive aura about them. These caves remind one of the other rock-cut caves, which have been the seat of Buddhist monks at different times. Abode of monks during the 1st to 9th century, these caves are rather simple and partially adorned.
The term Kanheri has been derived from a Sanskrit term 'Krishnagiri', which means 'black in color'. And these caves have been chiseled out of a gigantic basaltic rock. Indeed, Kanheri Caves is an excellent illustration, which portrays rise and fall of Buddhism in India. Most of them are small cells, which are cut into the ends of a hill and each of them has a stone platform to serve as a bed. There is one congregation hall that is supported by massive stone pillars.
Majority of the caves are monasteries, intended for living, study and meditation. All of them have elaborately carved sculptures, reliefs and pillars and encompass rock-cut stupas for worship. The unique figure of Avalokiteshwara captures the attention of everyone. No less than a hundred inscriptions have been found here, in Brahmi, Devanagari and Pallavi scripts. One Chaitya cave has some defaced woodwork on its roof.
By the time this region was swayed by the Mauryan and Kushan empires, Kanheri became a major center of university in India. While going further up the hill, you would come across many watercourses that reveal the ancient water system. A trip to Kanheri Caves would definitely be an interesting one, especially in the company of ancient structures and scenic beauty of Sanjay Gandhi National Park
