Khambhalida Caves

Khambhalida Caves are located in Rajkot district of the Indian state of Gujarat near Gondal. The group has three caves containing chaitya and stupa. The chaitya gate includes figures of Bodhisattva Padmapani and Vajrapani on right and left respectively. These caves come under the jurisdiction of the Archaeology Department.

Contents

• Khushbu gujarat ki khambhalida caves
• Gujarat tourism to promote buddhist pilgrimage site khambhalida caves
• References

Khambhalida Caves are said to be the oldest such caves in Rajkot and it’s an architectural wonder of the country. The caves are set amidst a beautiful environs. They are situated at the foot of small hillocks on the banks of a spring. The caves have a majestic structure carved out of limestone. There are three caves here, where the central one is named Chaitya Grih. It has a stupa and two sculptures with intricate designs. The cave on the right is named Bodhisatvas-Padmapani and the one on the left is named Vajjrapani. The Vajjrapani sculpture is considered one of the most ancient ones in India, second such idol came up in Ellora Caves. Another contemporary Padmapani idol appears in Patan, Nepal. There are 15 small caves situated near the Khambhalida Caves. The cave on the left hand side is huge and is open in the front. It goes deep inside. During the daytime tourists see a lot of light and air. It is believed that Buddhist monks must have meditated in the ancient times inside these caves, leaving behind spiritual vibrations that can be felt even today. It is also said that many Buddha Saints from Junagadh came to these caves for meditation thanks to an underground route between them. There is an inscription on a stone here that states Ashoka existed.

The caves are believed to have come into existence in the 4th or 5th century AD. It is said that they were carved in the limestone rocks by Saint of Dinyan branch of Buddha tradition. Shri P. P. Pandya, a prominent archeologist, discovered the Buddhist Cave in 1958.

A modern large Buddhist temple complex is coming up near by.

It is said that for centuries Gir Forest extended till Khambhalida Village.