Magnificent Caves of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has some historical caves in its various mountain ranges. These depict the early civilisations, ancient history and mythology.
Adamgarh Caves
These are located in Madhya Pradesh’s Adamgarh (आदमगढ़) hills, in the Hoshangabad district. These rock shelters are surrounded by lush trees. This is one of the most amazing caves in Madhya Pradesh. These caves are etched with images of animals, birds, human warfare, hunting, riding, worshipping, and so on.
Location
Bagh Caves
The Bagh caves (बाघ गुफा बौद्ध गुफा) are a group of nine rock-cut monuments, situated along the southern slopes of the Vindhya in Bagh town. Bagh caves are the finest example of Buddhist culture in Western Madhya Pradesh.
These are located at a distance of 97 km from Dhar district in Vindhyachal range at Indore-Jhabua route.
Location
Bhimbetka Caves
These rock shelters (भीमबेटका रॉक शेल्तेर्स) are situated in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. These caverns have a number of fascinating murals depicting early life and times. These caves also contain depictions of childbirth, social dance and drinking, and religious festivals and rituals. Only 12 of the 600 caves is currently open to visitors. In 2003, UNESCO designated it as a world historic site. The caverns date from the early stone age, or palaeolithic age, and include the earliest evidence of human life on the Indian subcontinent.
Location
Bhartihari Caves
These caves are situated on the bank of river Shipra, near Gadkalika temple of Ujjain. These are named after the famous sage, ‘Bhartrihari’ believed to be the step brother of Vikramadithya, who lived and meditated here. These caves were built by Paramara rulers. Its major features are beautiful colour paintings.
Location
Bilauva / Billowa Caves
Bilauva / Billowa Caves (बिलौआ) are in the Madhya Pradesh district of Gwalior. These have Shaiva rock statues.
Location
Mrigendra Nath Caves
These caves (मृगन्नाथ गुफा) are situated in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. Rock paintings are found here.
Location
Mara Caves
These caves of Buddhist era are situated in Sindh district.
Location
Pandava Caves
Pandava caves are situated in Panchamarhi, Madhya Pradesh. These caves are example of rock- cut architecture. The mythology behind these caves is the Pandava brothers with their wife, Draupati had spent a part of their life here for about 13 years.
Location
Shankaracharya Caves
These caves are situated in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. People believe Guru Shankaracharya had worshipped lord Shiva here.
Location
Udayagiri Caves
Udayagiri caves are magnificent examples of Gupta architectural expertise and fineness. These caves are situated in Vidhisha district. Out of the 20 caves related to Buddhism, the fifth one is known for a huge statue of Varahamira.
Udayagiri caves have important inscriptions from the the reigns of Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta I.belonging to Gupta dyanasty.
