Ghatotkacha Caves
Ghatotkacha Cave
Coordinates20°33′09″N 75°35′06″E / 20.552620°N 75.584977°E / 20.552620; 75.584977
Governing bodyArcheological Survey of India
Ghatotkacha Caves is located in India
Ghatotkacha Caves
Location of Ghatotkacha Caves in India

The Ghatotkach Caves are located 18 km to the west of Ajantha, near Jinjala village, India.[1] The caves include three Buddhist caves, one is a chaitya and two are viharas. The caves were excavated in the 6th century AD, and were influenced by Mahayana Buddhism.[1]

The caves have an inscription by Varahadeva, a minister of the Vakataka dynasty under King Harishena (r. c. 475 – c. 500 CE).[2] Varahadeva is also known for a decatory inscription in Cave 16 at Ajanta caves in which he affirms his devotion to the Buddhist faith: "regarding the sacred law as his only companion, (he was) extremely devoted to the Buddha, the teacher of the world".[2]

The inscription at Ghatotkacha Cave is about the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha.[1] At the same time, Varahadeva proudly affirms his Hindu heritage.[2] The inscription gives a long genealogy of the donor's family. It includes mention of a person named Soma, who had Kshatriya as well as Brahmana wives.[3]

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation advises that the caves are only for the adventurous traveller as access is difficult.[4]

The Ghatotkacha Caves and their environment.
Plan of the main Ghatotkacha cave
Ghatotkacha cave inscription
Ghatotkacha inscription (translation)

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ahir, D. C. (2003). Buddhist sites and shrines in India : history, art, and architecture (1. ed.). Delhi: Sri Satguru Publ. pp. 191–192. ISBN 8170307740.
  2. 1 2 3 Spink, Walter (2006). Ajanta: History and Development, Volume 5 Cave by Cave. BRILL. p. 180. ISBN 9789047411871.
  3. ↑ Singh, Upinder (2009). History of Ancient and Early Medieval India; From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. Pearson Education.
  4. ↑ Vision Tourism 2020 – Aurangabad District Perspective Draft Plan (PDF). Aurangabad: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. November 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2013.


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