Mandapeshwar caves are a heritage site but to me, it is more like home.
There is something about that place that brings a sense of peace and belonging to me more so ever it holds many childhood memories right from spending evenings there to visiting the caves on Shivratri / Tripuri Poornima.
So this weekend we decided to go explore the Mandapeshwar caves all over again.
About the Mandapeshwar Caves:
Located at a 20-minute distance from both Borivali and Dahisar stations in Mumbai, these caves are said to be around 1500-1600 years old. They are an 8th-century rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is said that these caves were located on the bank of the river but then the river changed its course. The ruins of the old Immaculate Conception Church which was built in 1544 still exist above the caves.
The name Mandapeshwar means “Hall of the lord”. Currently, the area where the caves are is known as Mount Poinsur and it is said that it gets this name from Mandapeshwar.
From what I have understood about history: These caves have a turbulent past.They’ve witnessed the world war, and invasions, given shelter to many, and have deserted too even though they were built by Buddhists for stay and meditation.
When the Portuguese came in they built a church that functioned till the Marathas conquered the area. During the period of Marathas, they worshipped and neglected too. Again when the Portuguese took over, they used the main cave as a chapel, and hence in the shrine where there is lord Shiva one will also find a find engraved at the entrance.
A glimpse of the Mandapeshwar caves:
At the entrance on either side, you will see a wall carving. The one on the right is destroyed while on the left there is a cross which as per what I’ve been told and from the history available was made by the people running the church back then.
As you climb in, there is a huge hall-like area. A little further is the place where the Shiv Linga is present and worshipped also called the gabhara in Marathi.
On the left of the main cave, there is another cave.
If you closely observe the wall in the left room/cave you will see intricate figurines carved on the wall.
As you move towards the extreme left there is an open podium with a wall with beautiful carvings that have been slightly destroyed
On the right side, there is another similar room/cave and on the extreme right, the carvings on the pillars give an idea about the knowledge of design and structures.
Overall the Mandapeshwar caves have statues of Lord Ganesha, Vishnu, Brahma, Nataraj, Ardhanarishwara, and many others.
The flooring of the cave:
Don’t forget to check out these amazing old games engraved in the flooring.
When you head out again on the right there are other caves but if you see these look half-done. As a kid, I would play there for hours.
One thing quite similar to Kanheri caves is the distinct water system. It keeps the caves much cooler than the rest of the surroundings.
We then went above the cave, the ruins of the old Portuguese church remain.
If you observe the ruins the type of stone used would catch your attention and the layout too. Unlike modern-day churches, this layout is different more of like a maze. From the ruins, you can see the present-day cemetery located beside the “Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church.”
Note:
- The best time for visiting the Mandapeshwar caves is during winter. Early mornings or early evenings during summer.
- Post the exploration head over to the main I.C. Colony to enjoy the serenity and calmness of the locality and to try out the delicacies available right from the vada pav, baida roti, biryani to shops selling Goan delicacies.
Also, do read my blog post on another beautiful and old heritage site-Kanheri Caves.
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