Amidst the urban jungle

Located in the bustling suburb of Andheri East, these Buddhist caves probably got their name from the Mahakali Hills on which they are situated. The place is also known as the Kondivite Caves, after the nearby Kondivite village. The Caves provide a stark contrast to the surrounding concrete jungle. These ancient caves offer a serene retreat from the chaos of city life, transporting visitors to a bygone era of tranquillity and contemplation.

Echoes of ancient times

Carved into the black basalt rock during the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE, the Mahakali Caves bear witness to Mumbai's ancient history as a hub of Buddhist pilgrimage. Believed to have served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks, these caves were once active centres of spiritual activity and meditation.

The Mahakali Caves comprise a complex of 19 rock-cut caves. The caves are divided into two main groups - the larger eastern group 1, with 15 caves, and the smaller western group 2, with 4 caves - each offering its own unique charm and historical significance.

Group-I comprises of living quarters along with several verandas, courtyards, a chapel, and several shrines. In contrast, Group-II includes a dining area. The area between these two clusters of caves features damaged tombstones, as well as a monument and a modest auditorium utilized as a school.

The caves are adorned with Buddhist symbols including stupas and chaityas. Most of the caves are simple and small, with minimal carvings or ornamentation—stark chambers were used as dwellings for the monks and a place to meditate. The exception is the chaitya, the main Buddhist shrine and prayer hall, which is adorned with stupas and large carved statues of Buddha idols. Some of the cave walls have scriptures carved in Pali, a language considered older even than Sanskrit.