Jogeshwari Caves, Mumbai: India’s Largest Cave Temple

Besides being one of the modern cities in India, Mumbai has a lot to offer when it comes to witnessing the rich cultural heritage of the city. The well-preserved monuments and the exotic historical temples and caves have delighted our senses since ancient times. Among them the Jogeshwari Caves in Mumbai is the largest.

Exploring India’s Largest Cave Temple

The Mumbai Jogeshwari Caves are the largest cave temple in India that have been in existence for the past 1,500 years. The caves have existed since 520 to 550 CE. It was formerly known as Amboli Caves. The excavation of these caves took place during the excavation of Ajanta and Elephanta caves. One of the finest and most popular Indian caves, Jogeshwari caves are the first Shaivite rock-cut temples built in Mumbai and are claimed to be the precursor of the famous Elephanta caves.

Mumbai is perhaps the only city in the world to have age-old cave structures within its town area limits. These caves have been declared a site of national importance by the Archaeological Site of India (ASI), owing to the rarity of the land and high value. The encroachments in and around these caves, which have choked the structure of the caves, is a matter of desperate concern. ASI has laid strict rules prohibiting the construction 100m (328ft) around the protected monument and limited construction 200m (656ft) beyond.

Things to Do

These caves are located off the Western Express Highway, on an off-road track. The beauty of Mumbai Jogeshwari caves is ignored by the tourists but this place is quite popular among the travelers that like exploring hidden places. This place is surrounded by rocks on both sides and the caves can be accessed through a long flight of stairs that lead to the main hall of this cave.

These caves are known for the shrine of Lord Shiva. The caves also contain the temples of Lord Hanuman, Ganesha, and Dattatreya alongside the impressions of Goddess Jogeshwari’s footprints. The legend holds that these caves were formed by the Pandavas who stayed here during the period of their canvas. These deities of Hindu gods are worshipped in the caves every day by the Hindu devotees living in and around the caves.

From the pillars to the sculptures of the Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Shiva and Jogeshwari, there are beautiful engraving on the walls that are something to be seen for those of you who are interested in history and architecture. There are figures of marriage proceedings of Lord Shiva on the porch all depicted in a length of 30 ft.

There are 6 pillars on each side of the cave that forms a central section and in the middle of these pillars, a temple is situated in which these shrines of the Gods are present. The pillars act as a boundary in a way for protecting the temple. On the east of the Yogeshwari caves, a Hanuman temple and a porch are present. Even though the caves now are perished, they are still visited by local tourists and travelers.

Best Time to Visit Jogeshwari Caves, Mumbai

The region around Mumbai Jogeshwari Caves experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, the summers are quite hot. So, if you’re planning to visit these caves comfortably, then the best time is from October to April.

How to Reach Jogeshwari Caves

Jogeshwari Caves are located in the western parts of Mumbai and are easily accessible by road, rail, and air. You can land directly at Mumbai airport and from there you can hire a cab directly to Jogeshwari caves. These caves are around 15 km (9.3mi) from the center of Mumbai. You can also catch a government or private bus to the caves.

By Train

If you’re planning to visit this place by train, you can catch a local train to Jogeshwari railway station or Goregaon station from anywhere in Mumbai. When you reach there, take a cab, rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw to the caves that are only 3 km (1.9mi) away from Jogeshwari station and 4 km (2.5mi) from Goregaon station.

By Car

If travelling by car, there are two routes via the Western Express Highway while coming from South Mumbai- one from either Santacruz, taking the Chembur Link Road, or by Andheri Kurla Road/ Magan Nathuram Road. If you’re coming from North Mumbai, one has to take a route via SV road and then the Western express highway. There you will see a narrow passage that has now being converted into a parking space.

Best Places around Jogeshwari Caves

Mahakali Caves

There are a few more places to visit around Jogeshwari caves that are a few miles away and are quite popular among the tourists. The Mahakali Caves are a 15 minutes distance from Jogeshwari Caves. Also known as Kondivite Caves, this place is located in Andheri. These ancient caves comprise of a group of 19 rock-cut monuments and after you’re done exploring the Yogeshwari caves, these caves are another perfect place to go.

Chota Kashmir

Another place that is around 25 minutes from Jogeshwari Caves, is Chota Kashmir, a perfect place for people searching for some peace and tranquility. It is a perfect spot for picnics and a recreational area with carnival rides for children. This is the place to lose stress and indulge yourself in the marvelous wonders of nature.

The Jogeshwari caves are the symbolism of the ethnic culture of India and the diversity in its art and architecture. But the deterioration of these caves showcases the negligence of the locals as well as the government to preserve such elegant ancient structures. Efforts should be made to renovate the caves for attracting more and more tourists and travelers from all over the world. This will, in turn, enhance and endorse the tourism in Jogeshwari caves.

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