bedsa caves

We were enchanted by the ancient rock-cut caves at Karla, that we decided to visit the Bedsa (bedse) caves which are also within 50kms from Pune, towards Karla.

on the way to ancient bedse rock-cut caves

This time we had much more to hike up, but Pratya was game, and the cool breeze kind of lifted us up.

pratya on the way to bedse buddhist caves

The caves are much like Karla in structure, with the chaitya hall and the adjacent viharas. These were also constructed around 1st Century B.C., and as old as Karla.

chaitya prayer hall at the bedsa rock-cut caves

One major difference is that the Karla caves have hindu dieties and mythology infused on the outer walls, while the Bedsa adhere to its buddhistic style. Probably the hindu influence on the Karla caves came later. Another interesting factor about Bedsa is that its chaitya hall has 2 front doors, while Karla has only one.

facade of the bedsa buddhist caves

Like the other caves, Bedsa also have sculptures of couples wearing ornaments, in various poses, on horses and elephants.

sculpture of couples at bedsa caves

sculpture of couples on horse, at bedse caves

In the Indian culture and in buddhism, a lotus symbolizes the transition of the atma from the primeval mud of materialism (roots) into the bright sunshine of enlightenment (flower). Lotus engravings, are hence one of the most recurring symbols in these ancient rock caves.

bedsa buddhist caves with lotus columns

For more of these caves and sculptures, please visit: http://www.images.rocksea.org/maharashtra/bedsa/

Location map for Bedsa Caves

Bedse Caves, Maharashtra, India

10 Responses

  1. Kayt says:

    What an amazing place! Thank you for sharing it with us. I have never heard about this beautiful place.

    I also LOVE your embroidery blog. How talented you are.

  2. Great images. Very cool place to visit. We must meetup sometime.

    Have you read these? You may like to be involved in some way.

    http://thebutterflydiaries.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/wikimedia-commons/

    http://thebutterflydiaries.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/tenth-anniversary-wikimeetup/

    Drop me a line if interested.

    • rocksea says:

      Hello ashwin, great to hear from you. We have been traveling all around and just got settled back at pune. Yes, we should meet up sometime. Not sure about the wiki meets, but let me see. All support! Wishes for a wonderful year ahead!

  3. RESTLESS says:

    Hi!

    Good to see u back! Happy New Year!

    Love the way u write…
    nice clicks too… never heard of this place… thanks for sharing!

    RESTLESS

  4. magiceye says:

    have been to karla and bhaje caves but missed out on bedsa.. on my must visit list now..

    • rocksea says:

      Bedsa is a bit interior and the car won’t reach till the steps, but still it is a good climb. Tourists are few or nil due to its remote location, which I think is a virtue. Premises are cleaner compared to Karla. Where are you located?

  5. Hey Welcome back and Happy New Year!

    Still getting around guys? Happy to know that, also happy to see this space back in action.

    And is that Pratyahara climbing up those steps? jeez, the boy is already ahead of you fellas, hurry up! 😀

    Time flies, doesn’t it? Enjoy

    • rocksea says:

      Yes after coming to india, we have been traveling around a lot! Just got settled back at pune after christmas at home. I think I missed to update your web on my reader. Have done it now 🙂

      Pratya is running around, he always need some activity to cool him down.

      Will try to keep this space and your comment-space updated 😀

      New Year Wishes!

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