Dharashiv Caves

Dharashiv Caves are a series of seven ancient caves situated in Balaghat Mountains, about 6 km away from the city of Osmanabad. The caves have been declared as a ‘Protected Area’ by the Government of India. One of the top tourist attractions in Osmanabad, Dharashiv Caves are a must-visit owing to their historical value, spectacular ancient architecture and magnificent sculptures and artworks.

Dharashiv Caves are mentioned in 19^th century British archaeologist James Burgess’s book ‘Archaeological Survey of India’. It is believed that the caves were built around 5^th-7^th century. The first cave was discovered in the 10^th century during the age of the Rashtrakutas. There is a debate whether the caves are Buddhist or Jain. However, James Burgess’s research on more than 1200 caves in Maharashtra indicates that the Dharashiv Caves were originally built as Buddhist Caves in 5^th century AD and some of the caves were converted into Jain Caves in the 12^th century.

The first cave is harnessed by 20 pillars of scaffolding. Cave No. 2 is a major cave, modeled on the Vakataka Caves at Ajanta. It has a huge central hall that is around 80 feet by 80 feet and 14 cells, which were residences of monks. A statue of Gautama Buddha in Padmasana is situated in the cave’s garbagriha or sanctum sanctorum. However, the cowl of a snake above atop this statue is speculated to be the epitome of Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Cave No. 3 resembles Cave No.1. The remaining caves are Jain caves. One of the caves is now dedicated to Hindu Spiritual Guru, Shri Harinarayan Swami.