Yerphal Caves, Buddhist cave complex near Umbraj, India
The Yerphal Caves are a Buddhist cave complex near Umbraj containing multiple chambers carved into natural rock formations. The site features a prayer hall with an apsidal layout and a central stupa, along with two living cells and one incomplete chamber.
The caves were established in the first half of the 2nd century CE as retreats for Buddhist monks and religious practitioners. Evidence from ongoing construction work, including an unfinished chamber, suggests the site continued to develop over time.
The rock-carved architecture displays Buddhist artistic traditions from Western India through its structural design and religious symbolism. Monks and religious practitioners used these spaces for prayer and meditation, and this spiritual purpose still shapes the character of the place.
The site is accessible year-round and requires no entrance fee. The period from October to March offers the most comfortable weather conditions for exploring the caves.
An unfinished chamber reveals that construction work may have been interrupted abruptly or continued across generations. This puzzling trace gives visitors a direct glimpse into how ancient work was carried out at the site.
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