Bedse Caves, Buddhist rock-cut caves in Pune district, India
Bedse Caves are Buddhist rock-cut caves in Pune district consisting of two main sections carved into the mountainside. The first section is a prayer hall with a large stone stupa, while the second section is a monastery with nine individual cells for monks.
These caves were created in the first century BCE during the Satavahana period when Buddhism was spreading across the region. They were built as monastic dwellings to provide monks with spaces for meditation and shelter.
The cave entrance shows detailed stone carvings of horses, bulls, elephants, and religious figures carved into the rock face. These images reflect how early Buddhist communities expressed their beliefs through the art they left behind.
Reaching the caves involves climbing about 400 steps from the base, so wearing comfortable footwear and allowing time for the ascent is wise. Morning hours provide the best lighting for exploring the chambers and carved details.
The monastery section stands out for its nine separate doorways, each framed with ornately carved stone arches. This unusual layout reveals how the space was carefully designed to balance privacy for individual monks with communal monastic life.
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