Bhaja Caves
Bhaja, a famous Buddhist rock cut shrine of 2nd century is situated 6 kms away from Lonavala in Maharasthra.
You are to climb almost half a km to reach this beautiful scenic spot where Viharas (hostel) and a huge Chaitya hall (worship place) were chiselled for Buddhist monks and devotees in pre Chistian era. A village of the same name is located at the foothills of this mountain.Although the facade of a grand structure has almost collapsed the Chaitya is still the most remarkable structure over here. The entrance room of the attention drawing Vihara No.12 has on its right side, sculptures of Surya and Indra with a Yaksha below Surya. Pillars here have centaurs. A scene below on the left side - narrating Buddhist story also draws ones attention. Below this mountain at the pre historic Mother Goddess site Mukkai, the villagers offer sacrifices here once a year even now.
