Mahakali Caves

 cave / cave(s), archeological site, buddhism, tourist attraction

Mahakali / Kondivite Leni - Buddhist Archaeological Site :

The Mahakali Caves (also known as the Kondivite Lenis) are a group of 19 rock-cut monuments built between 1st century BCE and 6th century CE.
This Buddhist monastery is located in the western suburb of Andheri in the city of Mumbai (Bombay) in western India. Monument consists of two groups of rock-cut caves - 4 caves more to the north-west and 15 caves more to the south-east. Most caves are viharas and cells for monks, but Cave 9 of south-eastern group is chaitya. Caves in north-west have been created mainly in 4th - 5th century, while south-eastern group is older. Monument contains also rock-cut cisterns and remnants of other structures.
Caves are carved out of a solid black basalt rock. The largest cave at Mahakali (Cave 9) has seven depictions of the Buddha and figures from Buddhist mythology but all are mutilated.
It is located near the junction between the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and SEEPZ. The road that connects these monuments to Andheri Kurla Road is named Mahakali Caves Road after it. The caves are located on a hill that overlooks the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road and the SEEPZ++ area. A Direct bus run by the BEST links the caves with Andheri station. The caves are in danger of being encroached upon.