Mandapeshwar Caves — Attraction in Mumbai

Mandapeshwar Caves are a lesser-known yet historically significant site located in the Borivali suburb of Mumbai. These ancient rock-cut caves have a fascinating history that intertwines with the religious and cultural developments of the region.

Key Highlights:

Historical Background: The Mandapeshwar Caves date back to the 8th century and are believed to have been carved by Buddhist monks. However, they later became associated with Hinduism, particularly with the worship of Lord Shiva. The name "Mandapeshwar" translates to "Hall of the Lord" and reflects the cave's role as a place of worship. Over the centuries, the caves have seen transformations in their use, including being converted into a Christian chapel during the Portuguese colonial period.

Architectural Features: The caves are smaller compared to other famous rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, like Elephanta or Ajanta, but they are rich in detailed carvings and sculptures. The main attraction is a large statue of Lord Shiva in his Nataraja (cosmic dancer) form, surrounded by other deities and mythological scenes. The carvings showcase the artisans' skill and the influence of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta architectural styles. Another significant sculpture is the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum, which continues to be a place of worship for locals.

Cultural and Religious Significance: The Mandapeshwar Caves are a symbol of the religious and cultural shifts that occurred in the region. The caves were initially Buddhist, then became Hindu, and later were used as a Christian chapel by the Portuguese before being reclaimed as a Hindu site. The caves thus reflect a confluence of different religious practices over the centuries, making them a unique cultural landmark.

Location and Surroundings: The caves are situated in Borivali, close to the more famous Kanheri Caves. They are relatively easy to access from Borivali railway station and are located in a quiet residential area, providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The surroundings are lush and green, particularly during the monsoon season, which adds to the serene atmosphere of the site.

Current Condition and Visitor Experience: The Mandapeshwar Caves are not as well-maintained or visited as other historical sites in Mumbai, which can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, it allows for a more tranquil and uncrowded visit; on the other hand, some parts of the caves have suffered from neglect and natural wear over time. Visitors often appreciate the sense of history and the relatively untouched nature of the caves, but they also note that better conservation efforts are needed to preserve the site for future generations.

Visitor Feedback: Positive: Visitors who appreciate history and ancient architecture find the Mandapeshwar Caves to be a hidden gem. The calm and serene environment, coupled with the impressive carvings, makes it a worthwhile visit, especially for those interested in exploring less crowded sites.

Challenges: The caves may not be as well-maintained as other tourist attractions, and some visitors feel that the lack of proper signage and information can make it difficult to fully appreciate the site's historical significance. The approach to the caves might also seem less prominent, given their location in a residential area.

Overall: The Mandapeshwar Caves are a fascinating site for those interested in the ancient history and religious diversity of Mumbai. While they may not be as famous as other cave temples in the region, they offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience for history enthusiasts and curious...

The Mandapeshwar Caves (Marathi: मंडपेश्वर गुहा) is an 8th Century rock-cut shrine near Mount Poinsur in Borivali, a suburb of Mumbai in Maharashtra, India. The caves were originally Buddhist viharas, before being occupied by the Brahmans. The caves are believed to have been built approximately 1500 to 1600 years ago,[1] nearly around the same time as Jogeshwari caves (which were built between 520-550 CE)

The caves were originally cut by Buddhist monks. Most of the early rock-cut temples and rock-art in India was created by Buddhist monks. The monks were the missionaries of the revolutionary message of the Buddha and the best places to spread the new message where the nodes of trade routes. Maharashtra and many of its hills in the Western Ghats fit their purpose. The monks would dig out prayer halls or chaitya-grihas in the caves, while building votive stupas and dwelling places for themselves. Here they would meditate and influence the passing traders and anyone else who happened by. The hills around Mumbai were at the juncture of the sea trade routes. During the occupation of the Kanhneri caves, the Buddhist monks found another location where they created a hall of paintings. The cave was created by the Buddhist monks and then they hired travelling Persians to paint.

The name of the cave Mandapeshwar means Hall of the Lord.

The sculptures in these caves are estimated to have been carved out at the same period as of those seen in the more splendid Jogeshwari Caves. It contained the largest Mandapa and a prominent Garbagriha.

This cave has seen through time, World war (when the soldiers used it), General people used to stay, Initial Portuguese used it as a place of prayer. These caves were witness to a series of invasions in the surrounding areas by different rulers and each time the caves were used for a different reason, sometimes even for things like housing by the armies or sometimes by refugees. During this period the monolithic paintings were badly defaced. After the invasion of the marathas in this area in the year 1739, for years this area was deserted.

Somewhere in time the caves were again discovered, it under the protection of Indian Archaeology Society.

Most of what can be seen on the walls now are just broken down remains which are sad reminders of its glorious past. The church (IC Church) and its graveyard are situated above the cave precincts. There are ruins of an old structure above the caves. These ruins belonged to a much older church built in 1544. This ruins is also under protection of Indian Archaeology Society.

There are four rock-cut shrines in Mumbai: Elephanta Caves, Jogeshwari Caves, Mahakali Caves, Mandapeshwar Caves. All four caves have the same sculptures. The sculptures at Mandapeshwar were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or some time after. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.[citation needed]

Mandpeshwer caves have sculptures of Nataraja, Sadashiva and a splendid sculpture of Ardhanarishvara. It also has Ganesha, Brahma and Vishnu statuettes. These works depicted the mythical tales of the Hindu gods and goddesses. Even today an elaborate sculpture representing the marriage of Shiva with Parvati may be viewed from the large square window at the south end of these caves. The caves are declared as an archaeological heritage site and therefore are...

The caves are believed to have been built approximately 1500 to 1600 years ago,[1] nearly around the same time as Jogeshwari caves (which were built between 520-550 CE).[4]

The caves were originally cut by Buddhist monks.[2] Most of the early rock-cut temples and rock-art in India was created by Buddhist monks. The monks were the missionaries of the revolutionary message of the Buddha and the best places to spread the new message where the nodes of trade routes. Maharashtra and many of its hills in the Western Ghats fit their purpose. The monks would dig out prayer halls or chaitya-grihas in the caves, while building votive stupas and dwelling places for themselves. Here they would meditate and influence the passing traders and anyone else who happened by. The hills around Mumbai were at the juncture of the sea trade routes. During the occupation of the Kanhneri caves, the Buddhist monks found another location where they created a hall of paintings. The cave was created by the Buddhist monks and then they hired travelling Persians to paint.

The sculptures in these caves are estimated to have been carved out at the same period as of those seen in the Jogeshwari Caves. It contained the largest Mandapa and a prominent Garbagriha.

This cave has seen through time, World war (when the soldiers used it), General people used to stay, Initial Portuguese used it as a place of prayer. These caves were witness to a series of invasions in the surrounding areas by different rulers and each time the caves were used for a different reason, sometimes even for things like housing by the armies or sometimes by refugees. During this period the monolithic paintings were defaced. After the invasion of the marathas in this area in the year 1739, for years the area was deserted.

Somewhere in time the caves were again discovered, it was under the protection of Indian Archaeology Society.

Most of what can be seen on the walls now are destroyed remains. The church (IC Church) and its graveyard are situated above the cave precincts. There are ruins of an old structure above the caves. These ruins belonged to a much older church built in 1544. This ruins is also under protection of Indian Archaeology Society.

There are four rock-cut shrines in Mumbai: Elephanta Caves, Jogeshwari Caves, Mahakali Caves, Mandapeshwar Caves. All four caves have the same sculptures. The sculptures at Mandapeshwar were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or some time after. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.[citation needed]

Mandpeshwer caves have sculptures of Nataraja, Sadashiva and a sculpture of Ardhanarishvara. It also has Ganesha, Brahma and Vishnu statuettes. These works depicted the mythical tales of the Hindu gods and goddesses. Even today an elaborate sculpture representing the marriage of Shiva with Parvati may be viewed from the large square window at the south end of these caves. The caves are declared as an archaeological heritage site and therefore are protected...