Kharosa Caves (Kharosa Leni, Maharashtra)
Location
Kharosa Caves are rock-cut caves carved out of jambhya (laterite) stone, located in the hill near Kharosa village on the Nilanga–Latur Road, in Latur district of Maharashtra.
How to Reach the Caves
By Air:
From Pune Airport: approximately 370 km
From Hyderabad: approximately 298 km
From Aurangabad: approximately 264 km
By Rail:
On the railway route towards Latur, one can get down at Harangul Railway Station and proceed towards Kharosa Caves.
By Road:
Kharosa village lies on the Lamjana–Nilanga Road. The village is well connected by road and can be reached directly by private vehicle or bus.
Places to See in the Cave areas
Entry to the cave complex is from a diversion towards the hill near Kharosa village. Parking facilities are available, from where visitors can proceed to explore the caves on foot.
The hill in this region is composed of laterite stone, resembling the rocky formations of the Konkan region. Approximately twenty caves can be seen here.
Kharosa Caves are trireligious in nature—
The construction of these caves took place in different historical periods.
Buddhist Caves
The Buddhist caves were excavated during the period of the Hinayana sect. Their construction was supported by donations from contemporary rulers, monks, treasuries, and wealthy local communities.
These caves follow the Vihara–Chaitya temple system. Some caves functioned as viharas, while others are chaityas.
Cave No. 1
This is a Buddhist cave featuring a vihara chamber with a small entrance doorway.
The interior remains cool during summer and warm during the monsoon, suggesting it was used as a resting place for Buddhist monks.
Second Cave
On the outer side, a ruined stupa is visible, indicating that it was originally a prayer-stupa cave.
Inside, there is a spacious hall and a sanctum at the rear, where a Mahayana Buddhist idol of the Buddha is installed.
Meditation chambers are present on both outer sides of the cave.
Other Buddhist Caves
Most caves in this complex belong to Buddhism, some of which are chaitya caves.
In the chaityas, pillars are arranged on both sides, with a pradakshina path (circumambulatory passage) behind them. Over time, several pillars have collapsed and the circumambulatory paths have become blocked.
Some caves are two-storeyed. On the exterior, partially damaged sculptures of Padmapani and Chakrapani are carved.
Inside, there are large assembly halls and sanctums. Certain caves were intended for rest and meditation (samadhi).
Hindu (Shaiva) Cave
This cave was excavated during the Chalukya dynasty, particularly between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.
It is a magnificent Shiva temple, supported by several massive pillars with load-bearing sculptural carvings at the top.
Architectural layout—
Outer assembly hall
Antarala (vestibule)
Nandi positioned in the antarala
Sanctum (garbhagriha) ahead
Dvarapalas (door guardians) are carved outside the sanctum. Inside, a Shiva linga and a serpent (Naga) are installed.
Sculptures on the northern wall—
Devas and demons churning the ocean (Samudra Manthan)
Ravana lifting Mount Kailasa (Ravananugraha sculpture)
Sculptures on the southern wall—
Varaha, Malla, Nagadevata, Vamana avatar, Narasimha, Krishna, Rama, Kartikeya, and Ganesha.
Jain Cave
One Jain cave in this complex was excavated by followers of Jainism during the 9th century CE.
Present Condition and Conservation
Many caves in the group are in a dilapidated condition. Due to the passage of time and the porous, fragile nature of laterite stone, several sculptures have become indistinct.
Stairways leading to the two-storeyed caves exist; some were damaged but have since been repaired.
With the combined efforts of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the state government, the Archaeological Department, and local communities, restoration and tourism development work is currently underway.
Other Religious and Historical Sites Nearby
Renuka Mata Temple:
Located on the hill opposite the cave complex, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Renuka.
Dargah:
A dargah in the vicinity serves as a center of faith for the Muslim community.
Near Ausa village, close to the cave complex, stands an ancient historical fort.
Nilangeshwar Temple:
An ancient Shaiva temple in Nilanga village, admired for its excellent architectural craftsmanship
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Kharosa Cave Group – Historical Background
Kharosa Caves are trireligious in nature.
The Buddhist caves were excavated during the 5th–6th centuries CE in the Hinayana period. Later, Mahayana followers installed Buddha images. Originally, stupas existed here.
The Hindu (Shaiva) caves were excavated during the Chalukya period, between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.
According to Jain cave researcher Viraj Shah, the Jain cave dates to the 9th century CE.
Between 1885 and 1901 CE, these caves were surveyed and brought to public attention under the leadership of James Burgess.
After India’s independence in 1947, the caves came under the control of the Government of India.
Subsequently, they were handed over to the Archaeological Department.
In recent years, restoration has been undertaken while preserving the archaeological character of the caves, as part of tourism development.
Thus, the Kharosa Cave Group stands as an important trireligious, historical, and archaeological heritage site of Maharashtra.
Kharosa Caves (Kharosa Leni, Maharashtra)
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