Explore Maharashtra

Bahrot is the 1500 feet (500 m) mountain 20 kms south of Sanjaan on which our brave Zarathosti ancestors took refuge from the Muslim invaders for 13 long years, in the year 1351 AD. They also took along with them to Bahrot their greatest shrine, the Iranshah Flame. It was amazing to see how those brave Parsis of the past lived in such harsh conditions of Bahrot just in order to keep their Faith in Ahura-Mazda burning.

Pottery, glass ware and coins dating back to the Sassanian period in Iran (the last Zoroastrian dynasty) have been found. It proves the thesis of historians that the Iranian Zoroastrians had close trading connections with the Gujarat coast, and that Sanjan was a well known and prosperous port with whom the Iranians had close connections. This was the reason for the Parsis to seek refuge there and also why they received such a warm welcome. They did not com to Sanjan as total strangers, but were familiar with each others language and customs.

Today, the caves are in a very bad shape and need repair and maintenance. Zoroastrian groups go up a very difficult path to offer their reverence and perform jashan ceremonies throughout the year. The Government of India was prevailed to declare the cave a protected monument, to prevent further deterioration.

How to reach :

Nearest railhead is Dhanu Road, which is just 3 km away from Bordi town. Auto rickshaw is the cheap travel available, with a fare of less than Rs 20. Dhanu road is connected to Mumbai and other cities by rail.

Toranmal is an Hill Station in the municipal council of the Nandurbar district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. One can reach through Shahada. It is a hill station located in the Satpura Range. Its Gorakhnath Temple is the site of a Yatra attended by thousands of devotees on Mahashivratri. On that occasion pilgrims walk barefoot for days from surrounding areas in the Nandurbar district but also from Maharashtra, Madhya pradesh and Gujarat. Toranmal is located between latitude 21 degrees, 54 minutes N, and longitude 74 degrees, 27 minutes E and 74 degrees, 30 minutes E, at the height of 1,150 metres (3,770 ft) above mean sea level.

Toranmal is a small plateau with an approximate area of 41.43 sq. kilometers. The plateau has a soccer like shape from which a stream flows across the plateau from south to north. In southern part of the plateau, stream is bounded and forms the Yashavant Lake which spans about 1.59 km2 and has a maximum depth of 27 meters. Further towards the north on the same stream is the Lotus lake which derives its name from the fact that it is always covered with lotus flowers. Same stream jumps down the cliff in Sita Khai, into the gorge forming an entralling waterfall in rainy season.

Places of Interest :

Yashawant Lake

Aawashabari Point

Sunset Point

Coffee Garden

Check Dam

Gorakshanath Temple

Nagarjun Point

Sat Payari(Seven Steps)View Point

Lotus Lake

Forest Park & Medicinal Plant Garden

Sita Khai[3]

How to Reach :

Toranmal is about 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Shahada city[4] which is about 305 kilometres (190 mi) from Nashik and about 200 kilometres (120 mi) from Surat. Nearest railway station is Nandurbar which is about 76 kilometres (47 mi) and Dondaicha is about 75 kilometres (47 mi) km from Shahada Town. However for approach from Mumbai 510 kilometres (320 mi),[5] train station to approach is Dhule (90 km) or Chalisgaon (145 km.). Nearest Airport is Surat.

Do Explore these hill stations :
Amboli | Bhandardara  | Chikaldhara  | Jawhar  | Khandala & Lonavla | Mahabaleshwar  | Malshej Ghat  | Matheran  | Panchgani  | Panhala  | Toranmal   

Dhutpapeshwar is a famous temple in Dhopeshwar village in Rajapur taluka. This village is situated 5 kms away from Rajapur city. You would always find devotees rushing here. It is on the bank of Mrudani River. It's an ancient temple. Natural beauty around it is extraordinary. At the both sides of the temple there are huge mountains and a river flows through it making it more beautiful.

The Mrudani River jumps from the high mountain so there is a beautiful waterfall near the temple. Some tourists come to see the waterfall. The best period to watch this waterfall is between July to November. During the period there is plenty of water. There is huge crowd on Mondays and Mahashivaratri.

Other Place to see :

Yashwantgad: This is one more attractive place in Rajapur area. This fort beckons adventurous youths who loves trekking. Tourists must visit this place during Rajapur trip. One of the specialty of this fort is space. It is spread in 1200 sq. mt. Fortification is one more special thing of this fort. It is hefty still today. There are 17 bastions and they are also in good condition. Tourists can experiences pleasant breeze and forget all exertion.

How to Reach :

Explore these places :
Amboli |  Anjaneri  | Anjanvel | Aronda | Battis Shirala | Baneshwar | Bhuleshwar | Bor Dam | Bordi | Dhutpapeshwar | Dive Agar | Durshet | GMRT Narayangaon | Igatpuri | Junnar Caves | Kanheri | Kolad | Khodala | Kopeshwar | Lonar | Marleshwar | Narnala | Nawegaon Bandh | Palghar | Phansad | Pitalkhora | Ramdara | Revdanda | Redi | Sagareshwar | Toranmal | Tulapur | Ujni |  more to come.

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple (also called Panchaleshvara or Bamburde) is a rock-cut cave temple, carved out in the 8th century in the Rashtrakuta period. It is located in what is now Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India. It was originally situated outside the town, but the city limits have expanded so that it is now located on the downtown Jungli Maharaj Road.

The temple, made of basalt rock, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The sanctum - a cube-shaped room about 3–4 metres on each side - houses a linga - the symbol of Shiva and there are two smaller cells on each side. In front of the cave is a circular Nandi mandapa, its umbrella shaped canopy supported by massive square pillars. This mandapa is one of the peculiar structures of Pataleshwar.

The temple was left incomplete, possibly because of a fault line found at the back of the sanctum sanctorum, which made the further sculpting unsafe, or political upheaval resulting in loss of patronage. Still in use, the linga is anointed with ghee and yogurt. A brass temple bell hangs outside the basalt entryway.

The Ghorawadi caves, also known as Ghorawdeshwar, are located near Dehu Road, around 40 km from Pune on the Pune–Mumbai NH4 highway. These caves are not as popular as the Karli, Bhaje and Bedse Caves, but this place is worth seeing. These are ancient artistic Buddhist caves carved out of a single rock formation of a hill and not many people visit.

Archaeologists surmise the caves were carved around the 3rd and 4th century. There are nine rooms for meditation adjoining the Griha. An inscription in Brahmi script on one of the walls says that the Chaityagriha is dedicated with affection by Buddha and Sagha-the daughters of Dhapar who was a disciple of Bhadantsingh. The same GRIHA has now taken a shape of Shri Ghorwadeshwar Temple.

An easy walk leads to the top where the caves are situated. There are many caves, some of which have deities of Vitthal, Rakhumai and Saint Tukaram. It is said that Saint Tukaram used to meditate at Ghorawadi caves and also at places like Durga Tekdi near Nigdi, Bhandara and Bhamchandra near Dehu.

There is a beautiful Shivlinga in one big cave, which can accommodate many people. During Mahashivratri a lot of people visit here to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. As one climbs a little further, there are more caves, which have deities and carvings on the walls.

The Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines developed over two periods – from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, and from the 5th century to the 10th century. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BC. Located in Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra, the caves lie near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. Karli's location in Maharashtra places it in a region that marks the division between North India and South India. Buddhists, having become identified with commerce and manufacturing through their early association with traders, tended to locate their monastic establishments in natural geographic formations close to major trade routes so as to provide lodging houses for travelling traders.The caves were historically associated with the Mahasamghika  sect of Buddhism, which had great popularity in this region of India, as well as wealthy patronage. The caves house a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd century BC. The monastery was once home to two 15-meter grand pillars. Now only one of these remains, and the remaining space is occupied by a temple dedicated to the goddess Ekveera, who is worshipped most notably by the Koli community of Mumbai.

The caves at Karla are believed to be some of thousands of similar caves excavated in the Sahyadri Hills in the early 1st millennium AD. The Karla cave complex is built into the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside, with large windows cut into the rock to light the cave interiors.

The main cave features a large, intricately carved chaitya, or prayer hall, dating back to the 1st century BC. This is among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India, measuring 45 metres (148 ft) long and up to 14 metres (46 ft) high. The hall features sculptures of both males and females, as well as animals such as lions and elephants.

Within the complex are a great many other carved chaityas, as well as viharas, or dwelling places for the caves' monks. A notable feature of these caves is their arched entrances and vaulted interiors. The outside facade has intricate details carved into it in an imitation of finished wood. The central motif is a large horseshoe arch. There is a lion column at the front, with a closed stone facade and torana in between.

Marleshwar is a place in Sangameshwar subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Marleshwar is very much popular for the Cave Shiva Temple where one can see venomous snakes who do not bite the devotees. This has resulted in increasing faith in the place and every year thousands of devotees visit the place and perform ablutions in the nearby Bav river.

The Marleshwar temple entrance.

Dhareshwar is a waterfall on the Bav river which is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar. There are many stories about Marleshwar. On the day of 'Makarsankranti' marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place. Local villagers celebrate the marriage ceremony with great enthusiasm. Besides on 'Mahashivratri' and 'Tripuri Poornima' there is fair. At the beginning of 18th century, this 'Shivling' was in Muradpur, which was brought here in the cave after tyrant Muradkhan started vexing people of Muradpur. This temple is known as 'Trambakeshwar' of Konkan. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village.

Explore these places :
Amboli |  Anjaneri  | Anjanvel | Aronda | Battis Shirala | Baneshwar | Bhuleshwar | Bor Dam | Bordi | Dhutpapeshwar | Dive Agar | Durshet | GMRT Narayangaon | Igatpuri | Junnar Caves | Kanheri | Kolad | Khodala | Kopeshwar | Lonar | Marleshwar | Narnala | Nawegaon Bandh | Palghar | Phansad | Pitalkhora | Ramdara | Revdanda | Redi | Sagareshwar | Toranmal | Tulapur | Ujni |  more to come.

Bedse Caves (also known as Bedsa Caves) are situated in Maval taluka, Pune District, Maharashtra, India.

The history of the caves can be traced back up to 1st century B.C. There are two main caves. The best known cave is the chaitya (prayer hall) with comparatively large stupa, the other cave is monastery - vihara. Both the caves contain some carvings although are less ornate than later caves. Both caves are facing eastwards so it is recommended to visit the caves early morning, as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced. There is also a small "Stupa" outside to the right of the main caves.

Until around 1861 the caves were regularly maintained - even painted. These works were ordered by local authorities in order to please British officers who often visited caves. This has caused loss of the remnants of plaster with murals on it.

Bedse Caves are comparatively less known and less visited. People know about the nearby Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves but have hardly heard of Bedse Caves. The trilogy of the caves (Karla - Bhaje - Bedse) in Mawal Region can't be completed without Bedse. An easy hike through steps leads to the caves. Also close to the Bedse caves are the famous foursome of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona forts adjoining the Pawana Dam.

The best time to visit Bedse Caves is the rainy season as the hills are filled with lush greenery during that time. Also many small waterfalls are created that can only be enjoyed during the rainy season. As this is one of the lesser known spots, not many tourists throng the place, so makes it easy to enjoy the views.

One day in the month of Karthik (November) the Vitthal Rukmani temple in Pandhari was filled with Pilgrims. Janabai had come there with her parents as a pilgrimage to the temple. Sitting at the Mahadwar of the temple, she told her parents that she doesn’t want to go back with them and want to spend the rest of her life in Pandhari worshiping Vitthal. Jani was only 7 years then and the other pilgrims there were astonished hearing what she had to say. Her parents were greatly troubled hearing this. After several attempts to convince Jani, her parents finally left for their home, comforting themselves by thinking about her determination and love towards Vitthal.

Nama happened to see this little girl and asked her why she was alone and enquired about her parents. Jani said that Vitthal is her father and mother and that she has no one other than him. Hearing this, a feeling of compassion aroused in Nama for Jani and he took her home. Nama told Gonai that he found this girl in the temple and that she had lost her parents and we need to take care of her. From then on she would do all the house hold work in Nama’s house and would call her self the maid of Nama. She used to keep chanting the name of Vitthal whenever she did any house hold work and at night she used to sing about Vitthal and meditate upon him.

One night when Nama was asleep, a fierce wind blew and that carried away the roof of Nama’s hut. Vitthal on seeing this sent his Sudarshana chakra to revolve around his hut so that Nama and his family could sleep. There were heavy rains but not even a drop of water went in to the hut. Vitthal then rebuilt Nama’s hut. When Nama woke up he saw Vitthal’s Pithambaram (Robe) shining outside his hut and he came out and fell in his feet. Nama then asked Vitthal what he was doing so late in the night here. Vitthal then told him that there was a storm and that his roof flew away because of it and he had come here to rebuild it. Vitthal then told Nama that if he had not come in time, his children would have felt the cold and Gonai would have become very angry with Vitthal and spoken to him harshly. On hearing this, Gonai immediately fell at Vitthal’s feet. Jani then came at once and saw that Vitthal was fully wet and rubbed his back with a dry cloth. Vitthal then told Nama that he must be hungry and asked him to eat with him. Gonai then bought some food and Nama, Gonai, Rajai, Nama’s children all sat down to have food with Vitthal. Looking at this Jani was grieved as Vitthal had no pity for her and did not call her. Vitthal immediately stopped eating and told Nama that he is not enjoying the food today and he doesn’t know why. Nama immediately replied to Vitthal that it was because Jani was standing outside in grief and that he is also not enjoying his food because of that. As Vitthal stopped eating every one stopped eating. Gonai gave the plate in which Vitthal had left some food to Jani. Jani then took it happily to her hut. Nama and Vithhal were then sleeping in Nama’s bed. Once Nama was asleep, Vitthal then went to Jani’s hut and told her that he was hungry and that is why he had come to her. Jani then told Vitthal that she dint have anything other than the food he had left earlier, and that she was hesitant to give it to him. Vitthal then told her not to hesitate and asked her to bring it. He then asked Jani to sit beside him and had the food. He then told Jani that he was happy and satisfied with what she had offered. Vitthal then came to Jani and told her to arise as it was time for her to grind the grains. He also told her that he had cleaned the mill and is waiting for her to come. He then asked her to place her hands on the mill and asked her to sing her abhangs. Vitthal then did the grinding by himself and filled the basket with the flour. (This mill is still there in Pandarpur and one can touch and see this when we visit Gopalpur temple) There was still some time left and so Vitthal slept in Jani’s hut. When the dawn began to appear Jani woke up Vitthal and told him that people would be coming to the temple and he has to go there immediately. Vitthal left his necklace and shawl in Jani’s house and went to the temple with Jani’s shawl. When the priest opened the door of temple, he was surprised to see a different shawl on Vitthal. One of the devotee’s said that the shawl belonged to Jani and when they removed the shawl they also found the necklace missing. A group of people then came to Jani’s house and accused her of stealing the necklace and shawl of Vitthal. Jani said that she had not taken any of these. When they searched her house, they found the necklace and the shawl. They then brought her to Chandrabhaga to impale her. They tied her to an Iron rod and she was crying to Vitthal helplessly. The iron rod suddenly turned in to water and all the people who had gathered were astonished. All of them then praised the Jani and prayed and sang about Vitthal.

One day as Jani was singing an abhang, Vitthal started writing it down. Just as he was writing down the abhang, Gyaneshwar entered the temple and noticed Vitthal hiding something. He then asked him what he was hiding and then Vitthal told him that he was writing down the abhang composed by Jani. Gyaneshwar burst in to laughter and asked why he was noting down an abhang that is being sung on his praise. Vitthal then told Gyaneshwar that the verses of Jani are full of love. Gyaneshwar then called Vitthal to Nama’s house. When they reached Nama’s house a lot of saints had already gathered there. Vitthal then asked Nama to call Jani. Jani was doing some house hold work and on hearing this she immediately washed her hands and came there. Gyaneshwar then told Nama about Vitthal writing down the verses of Jani. Vitthal then said, I was happy to write down the verses of Jani and I will bless anyone who reads her verses, and they will not suffer any calamities in their family life

Maharashtra in literal terms means Maha Rashtra. A very huge nation. It is a nation in a state. Endowed with rich & diverse natural beauty, it has got a very rich culture and tradition.  Maharashtra has some of the finest caves in India. The pinnacle of which are located in Ajanta &Ellora. But apart from these two caves we find caves at places like Pune, Mumbai.

Majority of these caves have Buddhist & Jain influence and were strategically built on the old trade routes for passing traders & caravans to rest and refresh. The monks used to spread their religion amongst these traders through these caves.  

Some of the caves are listed below :