Wai Caves, Buddhist cave complex near Wai, India.
Wai Caves is an archaeological site comprising nine rock-cut caves near Lonara village in Maharashtra state. The complex includes Buddhist monasteries, prayer halls, and water tanks carved into the hillside to support the monastic community.
The caves originated in the first century BCE as Buddhist monasteries and showcase the early development of rock-cut temple architecture in India. They were adapted over time by different communities, reflecting changing needs and beliefs across centuries.
The caves blend Buddhist and Hindu worship spaces, as one stupa was later converted into a Shiva temple. Visitors can observe how multiple faiths shaped this location over time, creating layers of religious meaning within the same rock face.
Access begins at the base of the hill, where a roughly two-kilometer hike on established trails leads to the cave entrances. The cooler months offer better conditions for walking and clearer views of the rock formations and cave interiors.
The third cave stands out as the largest in the complex, housing five distinct monastic sections with wall carvings on its right side. These reliefs display Buddhist symbols and religious imagery that were originally painted, showing the artistic skill of the period.
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