Lohani Caves, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Lohani Caves, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

Lohani Caves are rock cut caves located near Mandi historical site in Mandu Town in Dhar Tehsil in Dhar District in Madhya Pradesh, India. These caves are located on the way from Mandu village to Royal Enclave. The rock cut caves has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

History

It is believed that these caves were excavated between 11^th and 12^th century CE.

The Caves

The Lohani caves are simple excavations without much of carvings and without any inscription recoding the date of their excavation. However, the archaeological studies have yielded Hindu statues and carvings such as those of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu and Lakshmi. These suggest that these were likely Hindu monasteries, probably belonging to the Shaivism tradition. These rock cut caves were served as residences to Shaiva Yogis in ancient times.

There is a rock cut cistern in front of the caves. It is said that around 80 images found from the caves are kept in the local museum in the dharmashala of Hoshang Shah’s Tomb. It is also said that a temple for Lord Shiva existed near the caves once. But, the temple was destroyed during Muslim rule. The materials from the temple were used in their buildings. There is a monolithic pillar of about 5 metres high to the south of the caves. This pillar is considered as the remnant of the ancient temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Mandav Bus Stop, 22 Kms from Sirsodiya, 32 Kms from Gajipura, 37 Kms from Dhar, 61 Kms from Mhow Railway Station, 84 Kms from Indore Airport and 86 Kms from Indore. The temple is located at about 22 Kms from Sirsodiya off the Dhar to Gajipura route.  

Location