Barabar Caves
The Barabar caves, which is a group of small caves on the Barabar hills located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Gaya in Bihar, comprises numerous temples constructed from black granite stones. The hills of Barabar and the Nagarjuni are now important archeological sites. Here one can find seven rock cut caves. Out of the seven caves four are located on the hill of Barabar . It was built during the time of Mauryan emperor Ashoka; these caves are carved out of solid rocks which bear details of the life of Buddha. The caves consist of temples and sanctuaries hacked out of huge granite outcrops and are designed to look as if they have been made of wood.these caves were carved out of a huge piece of granite representing one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
The Barabar caves, which is a group of small caves on the Barabar hills located at a distance of 40 kilometers from Gaya in Bihar, comprises numerous temples constructed from black granite stones. The hills of Barabar and the Nagarjuni are now important archeological sites. Here one can find seven rock cut caves. Out of the seven caves four are located on the hill of Barabar . It was built during the time of Mauryan emperor Ashoka; these caves are carved out of solid rocks which bear details of the life of Buddha. The caves consist of temples and sanctuaries hacked out of huge granite outcrops and are designed to look as if they have been made of wood.these caves were carved out of a huge piece of granite representing one of the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India.
The Barabar caves consist of mainly three types -
Nagarjuna caves
Cave of five Pandavas
Hut Caves
The Nagarjuna caves, large in size, depicts the Jataka tales. An excellent work of architecture, these caves includes bow shaped arches at the entrance, circular halls and mini caves, all polished from inside.
The Sudama cave, a two chambered structure with polished interiors, is the perfect example of this type of cave. Towards the north of the Sudama cave lies Karan Choper or Supriya cave, which is a single chambered structure with a vaulted roof and small gate.
Secondly, the caves of the five Pandavas form another part of the Barabar caves. THese caves, used by five brothers, the Pandavas in their exile in the Mahabharata period, are small in size.
Cave of five Pandavas
Hut Caves
The Nagarjuna caves, large in size, depicts the Jataka tales. An excellent work of architecture, these caves includes bow shaped arches at the entrance, circular halls and mini caves, all polished from inside.
The Sudama cave, a two chambered structure with polished interiors, is the perfect example of this type of cave. Towards the north of the Sudama cave lies Karan Choper or Supriya cave, which is a single chambered structure with a vaulted roof and small gate.
Secondly, the caves of the five Pandavas form another part of the Barabar caves. THese caves, used by five brothers, the Pandavas in their exile in the Mahabharata period, are small in size.
The Barabar caves, generally found in the shape of a cottage or hut, open on one side with other three sides walled with stone. With their interiors smooth and soothing, these caves also served as retreats for the Jain and Buddhist monks. Among the Buddhist caves, the Lomas Rishi cave is the finest example of the world famous Indian Buddhist Chaitya arch style.
Other Cave Attraction(s)Swarna Bhandar
The Swarna Bhandar or the King Bimbisara's treasury, is also known as the twin rock cut caves in Rajgir. a major tourist destination, two cave chambers were hollowed out of a single massive rock, one of which is believed to have been the guards' room. The rear wall or the doorway which has two straight vertical lines and one horizontal line cut into the rock, is supposed to lead to king Bimbisara's treasury. The inscriptions carved on the wall in Sankhalipi or shell script has not be deciphered yet and considered to be the clue to open the golden treasury.
The home to Barabar
Gaya - Situated on the bank of the Phalgu river, Gaya in Bihar is a venerated place for the Hindus as well as the Buddhists. It was at Gaya where The Buddha preached the reality of life(in Bodh Gaya) and Hindu God Vishnu preached the reality of death.
This famous ancient site was visited by author E M Forster, who used it as a central location — the Marabar caves — in his famed book "A Passage To India".
Accessibility By Air - The nearest airports are at Patna(105 km) and Gaya(20 km). The Gaya airport is a domestic airport but at the same time is connected to international cities of Colombo and Bangkok.
By Rail - The nearest rail heads are at Gaya(40 km) and Bela(8 km).
By Road - The Barabar caves, 40kilometers away from Gaya, are well connected by roadways to other major places such as Patna(105 km), the state capital of Bihar, Bodh Gaya(12 km). Feel
free to contact us for any query or hotel booking, car rental at adb.travel@gmail.com or adb.travel@lycos.com
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