While counting the historic caves of island city of Mumbai I came to know about the Jogeshwari Caves situated close to the western Highway in the Mumbai suburbs known as Jogeshwari in Mumbai. These caves are considered quite sacred by the Hindu community living in Mumbai. These caves are counted among the earliest Hindu and Buddhist cave temple sculptures of the country dating back to around 520 to 550 CE. Jogeshwari caves actually are the largest and the earliest Hindu cave temple in the country as per the study of historian and scholar Walter Spink. There is an idol and footprints of Goddess Jogeshwari in the cave. Jogeshwari Devi is the Kuldevi of some of the Gujarati Brahmins living in Mumbai and thus these caves got its names after her as Jogeshwari Caves. The length of the cave from east to west is 240 ft while its breadth is 200 ft. The length will be 320 ft if the two rock-cut passages are included in the length of the cave. Currently no Buddhist monastery is seen in these caves like the other caves in the city. Thus it may be Hindu temple cave than a Buddhist cave.These caves were known as Amboli caves earlier because the rock in which these caves are carved were under Amboli village. After exploring the caves you can imagine the past architectural and sculptural skills of people of that time. At the entrance itself you get to see the remains of fine arts in form of relics of two Dwarpals means doorman carved beautifully. A good flight of stairs take you to the entrance of the caves and when you enter the cave you find yourself in a huge hall that houses shrines and lingam currently. The idols of Jogeshwari, Dattatrey, Hanuman, Ganesh and several other gods and goddesses are positioned in small rooms (chambers) in the caves. No one exactly knows when these idols are added to the caves. I personally feel that people do not understand the meaning of the ancient treasure and that is why they use it as they want.The caves are located at an altitude of 15 metres and have three entrances. Though neglected for a long time and encroached by locals these ancient caves should be restored and strictly managed in order to prevent further harm to these architectural master pieces. As you may feel a bit disappointed because of poor condition of the caves, thanks to the encroachers who use it as a temple yet not taking care of the complex as sewage water and waste is endangering the historic monuments. Even you can notice bats here that are sign of lack of cleanliness in the premises. The beautiful ornate pillars inside the cave are deteriorating due to neglect from government. Even the entrance passage to the cave is now converted into parking lot that is a real pity.Jogeshwari railway station is the nearest rail head and is located just 3 kilometres from the place. Alternatively you can hire a cab or take an auto rickshaw or bus to reach here.RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн