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About
Chaityas
Remains
Viharas
Stupas
Location
| | About | | Pithalkora caves are about 78 kms. from Aurangabad. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves is definitely worth a visit.
Nestling within the Satmala range of the Sahyadris, is a group of 13 cave sanctuaries, both chaityas and viharas on a remote land cluster that date back to the 2nd century BC.
The elaborate and beautiful sculptured facade of the great vihara is an impressive sight. There are 13 cave sanctuaries embedded in this region. Rich carvings with elaborate details can be seen in these monuments.
They form the largest group of Hinayana Monuments in the Northern Deccan. The cave temples, which are cut into the site of a secluded ravine, are mostly monasteries with cells opening of a central hall or verandah; many cave fronts have collapsed. Cave 3 and Cave 4 are of particular interest.
The story of Pitalkhora is shrouded, but the site has yielded many unusual sculptures, including wonderful yaksa figures.
| | | Chaityas | | The main gate to the site from the gorge consists of a wide terrace, with the Naga and guardians flanking the door, and a row of elephants supporting the complex. A stair leads directly to the chaitya. | | | Remains | | The sculptural remains at Pitalkhora include animal motifs, miniature chaitya windows, the elephants and guardians. The chaitya of Pitalkhora is also crumbling. The pillars are replaced with cement to prevent collapse. The surviving pillars have remains of 5th century paintings. | | | Viharas | | One arrives at several large vihara remains on entering Pitalkhora through the gate. One can notice the walls of the viharas made too thin, and mostly broken away.
The elaborate carving above doors, in cells, and around common rooms may be a mark of the wealth of the community. To the right are smaller viharas, mostly in ruinous condition; to the left are the larger, carved viharas. | | | Stupas | | Across the gorge one can see the three little caves, with stupas inside. One is a small chaitya hall. The stupas in these caves are very interesting and are about twice human height. They are not apparently monolithic with the cave, but moved into the niches provided for them. | | | Location | | About 78 kms. from Aurangabad | |
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