description Pandavleni Cave Stupa Overview
The Pandavleni Cave Stupa is a rock-cut religious monument located within Cave 18 of the Trirashmi or Pandavleni caves in Nashik, Maharashtra, India. Carved into the basalt hillside around the 1st century BCE, this cave is the only chaitya, or prayer hall, in the complex. The stupa sits at the apse of the hall and features a plain, cylindrical design typical of early Buddhist architecture, intended to hold relics. It is a significant historical site for scholars and visitors studying ancient Indian rock-cut architecture and Hinayana Buddhism.
help Pandavleni Cave Stupa FAQ
Where is the Pandavleni Cave Stupa located?
The Pandavleni Cave Stupa is located in Cave 18 of the Trirashmi caves in Nashik, India. This ancient site is a significant complex of rock-cut caves situated on the Trirashmi hill.
How old is the stupa in Nashik's Cave 18?
The stone stupa located in Cave 18 dates back to around the 1st century BCE. It represents a significant era of early Buddhist rock-cut architecture in ancient India.
Is the Pandavleni Cave Stupa part of a larger temple?
Yes, the stupa resides inside the only chaitya (prayer hall) within the Trirashmi or Pandavleni cave complex. A chaitya is a Buddhist shrine specifically designed to house a sacred stupa for worship.
Who carved the Pandavleni Caves and their stupa?
The Pandavleni Caves, including the chaitya housing the stupa, were largely carved out and patronized by the ancient Satavahana dynasty. These rulers were prominent patrons of Buddhism in the Nashik region during the early centuries of the Common Era.
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