Dharashiv Caves, Buddhist and Jain cave complex in Dharashiv district, India
Dharashiv Caves is a seven-chamber complex carved into the Balaghat mountains, featuring pillars, halls, and religious statues sculpted directly from the rock. The second cave contains a large central hall adorned with a statue of Gautam Buddha.
The complex originated between the 5th and 7th centuries as Buddhist structures, with some caves later transformed into Jain temples during the 12th century. This conversion reflects how religious traditions shifted across the region over time.
The first cave displays the handwork of ancient craftsmen through twenty pillars supporting the rock ceiling, creating a space where worshippers once gathered. The layout shows how people organized their spiritual practices within the mountain itself.
The site sits about 8 kilometers from Osmanabad and remains open for visits throughout the year. Local transport services offer guided tours to help visitors navigate the cave complex.
Archaeologist James Burges documented this site while studying around 1200 cave sites across Maharashtra, establishing its importance in regional history. His work helped identify how the location transitioned between Buddhist and Jain use.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
