Karad Caves, Buddhist cave monuments near Jakhinwadi village, India
Karad Caves consists of 66 chambers carved directly into rock, scattered across Agashiv hill overlooking the Koyna River in Satara district. The rooms are organized in clusters and feature carved stone recesses, doorways, and structural elements typical of early Buddhist monastery design.
These caves were created in the first century BC as a monastic settlement for Buddhist monks. Inscriptions recording donations from Sanghmitra, son of Gopala, show that the site became an important destination for religious giving and community support.
The site includes distinct sections named Agashiv, Bhairav, and Dongrai, each reflecting how Buddhist communities organized their spaces for different purposes. These names reveal how monks lived and worked across the hillside, with each area serving particular needs.
The site sits about 5 kilometers southwest of Karad town and can be reached by local transportation options. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring, as the terrain is uneven and the caves spread across the hillside with varying elevation changes.
Certain chambers contain rare carved Buddhist symbols and inscriptions that differ from typical monastery designs of the period. These detailed stone carvings offer clues about the spiritual practices and artistic traditions that flourished at this settlement.
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