Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave
Home | Bodhgaya Attractions | Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave
India being the heart of Buddhism boasts many pilgrimage centers particularly in places which are connected with the life of Lord Buddha. These pilgrimage spots vary from temples like Mahabodhi Temple, monasteries to centers of Buddhist learning. Even caves are component of Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. One such cave is Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya. Usually a Buddhist cave narrates the life of Buddha through its beautiful rock cut carvings, statues and paintings and in same manner Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave also do same. These caves have been used by Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and also been used as a resting place for travelers.
Initially as the prince Gautama Siddhartha left his princely life in search of truth and peace by leading a life of fasting and asceticism, he meditated in caves. It was Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave where he realized that fasting and humiliating the flesh will not bring him enlightenment or divine knowledge.
Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya is actually situated 12 kms from the main town of Bodhgaya. Nestled on a hillside, the cave feels mysterious and consists of two caves. One of them is quite small which has a statute of Buddha representing him when he was leading a life of strictness.
Tourist can reach to Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave by car or bus but by car is best since it's a long walk from the bus stop. Bodhgaya can be reached by bus and rickshaw from Gaya. Some significant monasteries near Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya are Tibetan Mahayana Monastery, Karmapa Temple, Sakya Monastery,Thai Temple and Indosan Nipponji Japanese Temple. Your visit to Mahakala (Dungeswari) cave, Bodhgaya will reflect your inner feeling and will cater a peace of mind. It’s a superb and attractive place where time has stood still. This is a compulsory destination not only for Buddhists but also for anyone with a spiritual hunger. These caves with statues, stone carvings, paintings, and graphics of Lord Buddha and his life, narrates the story of the life of Buddha.
