Panhalekazi caves
Destination Category
District
Taluka
Destination Type
Nearby
- Village : Panhalekazi
- Bus Stop : Dapoli
- Railway Station : Khed
- Airport : Ratnagiri
- Mechanic : Dapoli
- Petrol Pump : Dapoli
- Medical Help : Dapoli
Panhalekazi caves
Destination Category
District
Taluka
Washroom
Not Available
Mobile Network
Poor
Guide Available
No
Parking
Medium
Description
Panhaekazi caves are Buddhist caves from 3 rd century. Later extended by various Buddhist groups. The cave inscriptions are in Dhamma & Devnagari script. It is been called Pranalak as per the copper scripts. In the seventeenth century, during era of the Adilshaha, Kazi was posted here, and his title was added to the name and then this place was relabelled as Panhale Kazi. These caves are situated in the mountain range, in the valley of the Kotjai river. There are about 29 caves to explore
29 caves altogether from about the 3rd century were built for the Hinayana Buddhists. Caves no 4,5,6,7,8 ,9 are from 3rd century caves, caves 2,10,11,12,12, 18 are from 4th& 5th century. Around the 10th century, Vajrayana people worked & reworked these caves. Stupas were also built here. The Statues of Devi Sarswati and Lord Ganapati are found here. Cave no 14 has the deities of Nath Panth, and cave 19 has Shivlinga in it. It has Hindu scriptures on its ceiling. Cave no 29 was used by Nath Patha & was renamed Gaur Lena. One must visit these caves as an opportunity to know our heritage and history