Pitalkhora Caves are situated in the most picturesque terrian, carved into the rock of the Satmala ranges, a wild table in a narrow vale, an unearthy piece of panorama hidden in the bowels of these mountains, secluded and shy due to its unapproachable position, with only flora and fauna for company. These caves possess unique beauty and an exceptional milieu. 75 kms from Aurangabad, Pitalkhora, have been established through inscriptions as the earliest Buddhsit cave temples in Western India. Earlier writers on these temples have identified this minor group with Pitangalya and Ptolemy's Petrigala. In this connection it is also interesting to note the Pali work Petavathu and it's commentary, Paramatthadi pani, mentions a ruler of Surattha (Surashtra) named Pingala who ascended the throne in the 16th year of Bindusara (286 B.C) Pingala was out to pay homage to Ashoka at Patliputra and convert him to a new creed but instead he was converted to Buddhism and returned to preach Buddhism in Surashtra and further South. That Mauryan Empire extended beyond Surashtra further South is indicated by the location of Ashoka's inscription at Sopara in the district now called Thana in Bombay. Sopara or Surparaka has direct trade route with Pitangalya with Nasik lying in between. Probably a Yavana travelled down Pitangalya and was responsible for excavating the Vihara No. 4 and Chaitya No. 3 at Pitalkhora. Due to Pingala's popularity as a Buddhist preacher probably the vicinity around the cave was titled Pingala which later concoted to Pitangala like other ancient towns Elapura (Ellora) Bhogavardana (Bholcardan), Bharukachcha (Broach). At present most of these caves are in a badly ruined condition with their walls fractured. These caves are located near the head of a narrow ravine to the Southeast of a ruined village consisting of 13 caves with five Chaitya and eight Viharas Cave X, XI and XII are Chaityas which belong to one group and do not conform to the standard Hinayana type, as they have apsidal roofs and are without pillars. Chaitya No. 3 is the only painted cave with all it's pillars, side aisles coloured with figures of Buddha, seated or standing, sometimes attended by Padmapani with extremely interesting hairdos. In cave 4 strong Assyrian influence can be perceived. The pilasters are bell-shaped, quasi-persepolitan capitals which generally crown Ashokas lats. These capitals are mounted by winged animals like horses, lions, elephants, camels and deers. A number of inscriptions discovered at the site point to it's early period as during Ashokas period it was a fashion to inscribe everything as is evident from all his pillar edicts with inscriptions in Brahmi script.The Brahmi script is seen at Pitalkhora, on a number of pillars and doorways The site of Pitalkhora can speak volumes through it's art architecture, sculpture and invaluable inscriptions some of which unfortunately have not yet been published Sculptures of Yakshas dominate while other sculptures of mithunas, elephants, sphinxes, musicians, grinning and smiling exude genial humour and astounding physical energy. Pitalkhora caves present the research scholar, students and lovers of art from all over the world a peep in the treasure house of our ancient heritage.
Expenses:-
How to Travel
Bus Fere 70-100 Rs /person time 2h 5min
Tour Travel
Taxi & Cabs 2000 to 5000 And Above depend on Passengers
A/c & Non A/c
Tea/Coffee 5-20 RS/person
Breakfast 15-50 Rs/ person
lunch 50-80/person
Dinner 50- above /person
Hotels/lodges Available
ATMs Available