The Shivleni Caves (Shiva leni; Jogai Mandap; Hattikhana) in Ambajogai,

Maharashtra Maharashtra () is a state in the western peninsular region of India occupying a substantial portion of the Deccan Plateau. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa to the south, Telangana to th ...

India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...

are rock-cut cave monuments which date in King Udayaditya (reigned c. 1060–1087) from

Paramara dynasty The Paramara Dynasty (IAST: Paramāra) was an Indian dynasty that ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India between 9th and 14th centuries. They belonged to the Parmar (clan), Paramara clan of the Rajputs. The dynasty was establi ...

of Malwa. Total excavations were hewn out of rock cut and carved deep inside the hill. The caves include sculptures of Hindu deities like Shiva, Saptamatrukas and Ganesha. Frontside of Shivleni

The site is listed in " List of State Protected Monuments in Maharashtra" as a protected monument in the care of the Department of Archaeology of Maharashtra, under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. The Shivleni Caves have also been an

Archaeological Survey of India The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an Indian government agency that is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural historical monuments in the country. It was founded in 1861 by Alexander ...

Heritage Site.

Description

Shivleni Caves are situated hardly half a kilometer to the north-west of Yogeshvari Temple, along the banks of the Jayvanti river. The caves are square in shape and are carved deep inside the hill. The entrance is on the southern side of the hill. Inside Mandap (pavilion) has an 8.36 sq m. court-yard in front and the roof of Mandap is supported by four pillars.

Interiors

In the centre of the courtyard there is an elegantly carved Nandi Mandap measuring 9.14 × 9.14 meters. In the center of this Mandap there is an image of Nandi. The inside of the cave is impressive; one hall is supported by thirty-two pillars and adorned with sculptures of Shiva and Ganesha. An account of this structure can be found in the book ''The Cave Temples of India'' by James Fergusson and James Burgess (1880).

History and inscription

An inscription found here dated Saka 1066 records the grant for the maintenance of these caves by the king Udayaditya who is referenced as "Mahamandaleshvar". According to the inscription, villages of Sailu, Kumbhephal, Javalganv and a few others were granted to the Shiva temple. This inscription has been relocated to the Tahsildar's office at Ambajogai for safe custody and preservation. It is widely believed that this sacred site was established in commemoration of the epic clash between Yogeshwari and Dhantasura. As a lasting tribute to that momentous battle, intricate carvings of elephants adorn the surroundings of Shiva, adding a rich and symbolic touch to the spiritual ambience of the area. This story can be found in the book ''Dhantasura War of justice against the Gods'' by Jayanth Dev (2023).

Local beliefs

A local story claims that the monument is the wedding court of the ''jogaidevi (Yogeshwari, form of Amba),'' whose temple is situated nearby. It is said that the wedding was planned to take place in this ''mandap'' but could not take place for supernatural reasons, and the elephants and everything inside it turned to stone, hence the name 'Jogai Mandap'. There is also a local belief that there is a tunnel in this ''Shivleni'' leading to Parli Vaijanath, around 25 Km away, that was closed by the authorities.

Protection

The monument is now a state protected monument under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960.

References