Buddhist Caves of Khambhalida

Buddhist Caves of Khambhalida / Image Credit

Located in a spectacular landscape between Gondal and Virpur in the Rajkot district of Gujarat, Khambhalida is a famous archeological site containing 15 Buddhist caves dating to 4th-5th century AD. Out of these three are in good condition. The caves are cut in the limestone rock nestled in the both sides of a spring. The main cave features a chaitya. Two large size sculptures of the Bodhisattvas on both sides of the chaitya are the masterpieces of Khambhalida.

These Bodhisattvas are: Avalokitesvara (the Lord who Looks Down), also called Padmapani (the Lotus –Bearer) on right and Vajrapani on left. Vajrapani is considered the foe of evil and sin in Buddhism. Both the figures are surrounded by attendants.

The Khambhalida caves were discovered by famous archeologist P. P. Pandya way back in 1958.

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