Maharashtra
After little-known Tamilnadu as far as holy Jaina places are con rashtra also revealed itself as another state good for the unexpected. Even our first destination, the village of Anjaneri, just some hours drive north of Bombay, yielded a surprising find. ned
Anjaneri is a small village off a secondary road about twenty-four kilometres north-west of Nasik. Some books on Jaina art give it a mention for a number of ruined temples in its vicinity built in the eleventh twelfth century. They are of interest to the student of architecture, yet for the unhurried but swift-footed pilgrim Anjaneri has a striking discovery in store.
Availing himself of the help of a villager he will, after an hour’s hike along a mountain range and a steep ascent up a narrow ridge, come to an easily overlooked entrance to a cave. No steps lead up to it, thus some more rock-climbing is needed, but having safely entered the cave he will be both exalted and saddened.
Exalted by the sight of expertly carved Jinas and Yakshis in high relief, saddened by seeing how this hidden cave, an evident reminder of n once active centre of Jaina culture, has been converted into a Shiva shrine by the ocal inhabitants .
This process could be reversed by appointing a illager to be the keeper of the cave and paying him a small monthly remuneration.
Map of NW Maharashtra
1-Cave
2-Anjaneri Village
3-Gajpantha 4-Mangi-Tungi
5-Ellora Village And Gurukula
6- Ellora Cave Temples