Mandapeshwar Caves

Fantasticly preserved caves, helpful guide insisted on showing us round, would take no money. One little cave was inhabited by bats which you could see fluttering around. Obviously have to remove shoes but floor was fine to walk on. Worthwhile visit.

I went here for the celebration of kartik purnima last week. Hindus celebrate this grand fest by lighting diyas, having folk dance and making colorful rangolis.
There were hundreds of students gathered to celebrate this festival.
Located in IC colony of Borivali this Caves are more than 1500 years old.
It has a temple of lord shiva.

The Cave is Dedicated to Lord Shiva .
You can take a auto From Borivili Station to Reach there.
No Entry Fees.
1 Hours is more than enough to explore cave.
Do not Forget to visit the remains of old Church at Top.
Caves are believed to be Built 1500 years ago.
Originally caves were Buddhist Vihara.

8th century caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, right in the middle of Borivali city. Has a serene and calming vibe. One should definitely come and visit if you are in the area.

The Cave was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Local says that Lord Shiva himself appeared in the form of Shiva Linga called Swayambhu. Most of the part of Cave(Temple) seems like it was destroyed intentionally by outsiders. At Pravesh Dwaar one of the walls of the cave there is a cross of Jesus drawn over the sculpture and on the opposite wall there was a sculpture of Hindu God which is also destroyed. At the top of the cave there is a crematory of Christ's shows the intention of Portuguese. The pillars of the temple also destroyed Some parts of the temple are visible. By looking at Cave you can only talk about destruction. No history available about the cave on the internet.

Nice place, damaged by Portuguese missionaries in the past. Church is just constructed nearby by erstwhile Portuguese. Not a coincidence. Damaging Hindu/Sanatan places of worship is natural to Abrahmic religions.

. Here are some of the reasons why I highly recommend a visit:

1. **Historical Significance**: These rock-cut caves date back to around 8th century AD, belonging to the ancient Shiva cult. Exploring these caves gives you a sense of Mumbai's deep-rooted history.

2. **Architectural Marvel**: The intricate carvings and sculptures within the caves are a testament to the artistic skills of the craftsmen of that era. The stunning basalt rock architecture is awe-inspiring.

3. **Spiritual Aura**: The main cave houses a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva, adding to the spiritual ambiance. It's a place where you can find tranquility and connect with your inner self.

4. **Natural Surroundings**: Surrounded by lush greenery and situated on a hill, the caves provide a peaceful environment away from the city's chaos. It's a great spot for a peaceful walk and some contemplation.

5. **Photography Paradise**: Photographers will love the unique angles and lighting conditions the caves offer. You can capture both the intricate details inside the caves and the panoramic views from the hill.

6. **Educational Experience**: For students and history buffs, a visit here is like stepping into a history book. The inscriptions and carvings offer insights into the life and culture of ancient India.

7. **Accessibility**: Mandapeshwar Caves are easily accessible by public transport, making it convenient for locals and tourists alike.

8. **Free Entry**: It's amazing that such a historical site doesn't charge an entry fee, making it accessible to everyone.

Overall, Mandapeshwar Caves are a hidden gem in Mumbai, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a serene escape within the city, these caves are a must-visit destination.

Very ancient & holy place. It said that this cave was built during the 8th century. Holy place for Hindus.

A cave temple in which one can pray lord Shiva. I'm not sure on how old it is, but it is few hundred years old.

Mandapeshwar cave, situated in the busy suburb Dahisar (West) of Mumbai, is an extraordinary place with strong historical connection. This cave-temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a colourful history. It was an ancient Hindu cave-temple which was converted into a Christian shrine by the Portuguese in the 16th century CE. They built a church on top of the hill in which the cave is located. But in the first half of the 18th century, Marhattas defeated the Portuguese and reconverted it into a Hindu temple. Again in the later half of the 18th century, the British defeated the Marhattas and again it was converted into a part of the church. Only after the independence, the cave temple was restored to the old glory. The church is now situated on an adjacent plot of land.
The cave-shrine is situated in a park like area inside a boundary, and is protected by ASI.
Inside, there is a garden in front, and beyond the garden is the low hill with the rock-cut cave in the lower part of the hill.
The rock-cut cave has several chambers and majestic pillars cut from the rocks . On entering the central cave, there is a verandah beyond which is the sanctum. In the verandah there is stone statue of Nandi the Bull, the Vahana (vehicle of Lord Shiva) in sitting posture facing the Shivalingam inside the sanctum. There a broken piece of stone statue, which looks like the rear portion of an ox in sitting posture. Probably it was the original Nandi statue.
Inside the sanctum, there are two Shivalingams, one old and one comparatively new. Both are said to be the aniconic form of Lord Shiva, called here as "Mandapeshwar".
The associated cave chambers on right and left side of the main cave are empty now.
On the right of the main temple there is a cave, cut in the rocks in the same pattern - a verandah in front and a big chamber inside.
On the right wall of the verandah is a magnificent high relief statue of Shiva in His anthropoid "Nataraja" form. Though this sculpture is partly damaged, still the exquisite Nataraja statue with accompanying "Gana"-s and other celestial figures.
On top of the hill there is the old church built by the Portuguese in a ruined stage.

I visited this place with a group of friends for a heritage walk.
It's an amazing place to visit if you are interested in archeology and ancient architecture.
It's pleasant and also has a very old shiv temple located in it.
It was converted into a catholic Church and then again converted into a temple.

Mandapeshwar caves is near to Borivali and fahisar railway stns.

It is hardly 5-7 mins walk from dahisar side.

There is 3-4 chambers inside, a shiv linga is worship inside.

The Mandapeshwar Caves is an 8th Century rock-cut shrine dedicated to Shiva. Beautiful heritage site to visit.

Mandapeshwar cave, situated in Dahisar (West) of Mumbai, is an extraordinary place. This cave-temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was an ancient Hindu cave-temple which was converted into a Christian shrine by the Portuguese in the 16th century CE. They built a church on top of the hill in which the cave is located. But in the first half of the 18th century, Marathas defeated the Portuguese and reconverted it into a Hindu temple. Again in the later half of the 18th century, the British defeated the Marathas and again it was converted into a part of the church. Only after the independence, the cave temple was restored to the old glory.

Mandapeshwar caves at Borivali West Mumbai is a 8 th century Hindu caves dedicated to lord Shiva.The caves are full of carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva.
I visit this caves quite often because i am living at Mt.Poinsur for the last 50 years.Its utmost very sad that such a heritage of our Hindu civilization is not a place of attraction even though the caves are managed by ASI,Archiolgical Society of India,GOI.
This caves should draw attention like Canery caves, Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Since it's part of Indian civilization there is a need that the caves must be a sightseeing spot also for foreign tourists.

Amazing Place ...If it would be developed further, then this would be a great visit place as a part of Mandir Darshan in Mumbai

Do visit this place . It’s an ancient Shiv temple with a swayambhu Shivling which is rectangle than a cylindrical one. There are signs wherein u can see how the other community tried to destroy the temple and have carved their signs of god.
Thanks to archeology dept which is trying to restore it. It’s a beautiful temple and u can feel the energy.

hindu caves - not buddhist, there is a big natraj carved as also the shivling . There is a carved inscription mentioning how chimaji appa won back the caves n liberated the people around from the Portuguese.

The ancient caves are now well maintained. Enjoyed the deepotsav festival organised on occasion on tripuri purnima.

Not properly maintained, except for the mandir part, as a history lover, it was saddening to see the culture history of Mumbai in such a tattered condition.