The
word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri. Krishna
generally stands for black color. The other name in vogue was "Khaneri"
which means black mountain. The following three inscriptions in the
caves mention "Krishna-saila", "Kanha Shele", & "Krishnagiri" in cave
nos. - C. No. 21, 98, & 101 respectively. 
These caves are dated from 1st Century B.C. to 9th Century A.D.
Most of them are the Buddhist Viharas which was meant for their residence,
study, and meditation. A few Chaityas are seen containing rock-cut stupas
meant for congregational worship. The large number of Viharas obviously
prove a well-organized existence of Buddhist monks' establishment, which
was also connected with many trade centers such as the ports of Sopara,
Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a well-flourished University
center at that time.
These caves are dated from 1st Century B.C. to 9th Century A.D.
Most of them are the Buddhist Viharas which was meant for their residence,
study, and meditation. A few Chaityas are seen containing rock-cut stupas
meant for congregational worship. The large number of Viharas obviously
prove a well-organized existence of Buddhist monks' establishment, which
was also connected with many trade centers such as the ports of Sopara,
Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a well-flourished University
center at that time.
The record of Purna in Sopara (225 B.C.), 20 kms from Kanheri was a
prominent seat of literary activity to which Arjuna - one of the greatest
epics of Hindu religion (Mahabharata) - had visited while on the way
to Somnath in Kathiawar (Gujarat) from the holy place Shurparak or Sopara.
The king who ruled this area of Kanheri and Sopara was King Nahapan
(78 A.D.), who used the word Krishnagiri on many The Portuguese were the rulers of the west area of Kanheri about the
year 1534, the Maratha ruled from 1760, and lastly, the British in 1774.
The caves are known as "Buddhist." The highest cave is situated at a
height of 1500 ft above sea level. The location of the caves is 45 km
from main Mumbai city and 10 km from Borivali railway station. The way
to the caves leads through the most beautiful and best natural surroundings
of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The zigzag concrete road is fascinating
and one enjoys walking the road with natural surroundings (7 km from
the Park's entrance. The atmosphere and the scenic beauty is simply
enchanting and one is tempted to be in a close vicinity of this place
forgetting all the hubs of the Mumbai city.
Wish to see the different locations of each cave per the numbering made
by Archeological department
Every year on the occasion of Dassera festival, all trekking community
around this area come to visit the place, perform puja, offer prayers
for the long life of the cave, and then start their routine climbing
practice. A good day to start any new venture
occasions.
No comments:
Post a Comment