Mandapeshwar Caves, Mumbai
Weekend! For us corporate majdoors, this is probably the most magical word after “salary credited”, right? 😄
And for someone like me who loves travelling, weekends feel like a mini vacation. It’s not just a vacation— it’s a chance to explore, breathe, and wander!
So, this weekend, I finally ticked off one long-pending item on my travel bucket list — the Mandapeshwar Caves, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most underrated historic caves. While most people know about Kanheri, Elephanta, or Jogeshwari Caves, very few know that Mandapeshwar is equally — if not more — important in terms of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture and mythology.
Located quietly in Borivali’s suburbs, this 1500-year-old cave has seen it all — Buddhist monks, Hindu saints, Portuguese colonizers, Maratha warriors, and now, curious travelers like us! 🤓
Originally carved during the time when Buddhism flourished in Western India, the caves were later dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beautiful carvings of Nataraja (the dancing Shiva), Lord Ganesha, Vishnu, and a Shiva Lingam with Nandi were added — turning this cave into a peaceful temple.
The name Mandapeshwar literally means “Hall of the Lord”, most likely referring to the grand mandapa inside the main cave. It became a major center for Shaivite worship, especially during festivals like Maha Shivratri, and still holds spiritual significance for devotees.
So now that you know the why, let’s begin this travel experience and virtual tour of the stunning Mandapeshwar Caves filled with history, spirituality, carvings, and some fun moments from our journey too! 🌿📷
Mandapeshwar Caves History
You know, the history of Mandapeshwar Caves is actually quite fascinating! These caves were originally carved around 1500 years ago, during the time when Buddhism was flourishing in Western India. Back then, Buddhist monks probably used this place for meditation and spiritual practice. But later, the caves were taken over by lord Shiva devotee and turned into a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva — that’s when all those beautiful carvings of Shiva as Nataraja, Ganesha, and others were added. Then came the Portuguese, who not only took control of the caves but also built a church and monastery on top of it, even carving a stone cross right into the cave wall.
After that, in 1739, Bajirao Peshwa I and the Marathas reclaimed it. But the British came later and used it again for Christian worship. So basically, this one spot has seen Buddhists, Hindus, Portuguese, Marathas, and British — all leaving their mark over the centuries. Imagine how many stories these stones could tell if they could speak!
The Journey Begins – From Khar Road to Mandapeshwar Caves
As planned, my friends Akshay, Shreyas, and I woke up early and got ready for our weekend adventure. Around 9 AM, we stepped out — and like true Mumbaikars, were already sweating before the real journey even began 😅. That’s the Mumbai vibe — sweating, walking, and still smiling! Since I’m new to Mumbai’s local train network, Akshay proudly took the role of our “local train guide” — after all, he’s been living here for a year now. Shreyas, as usual, kept the mood light with his non-stop jokes. We started our journey from Khar Road railway station.
Soon, our local train arrived — and as expected, it was completely packed like tiffin box. We somehow squeezed in and experienced the legendary “standing-only luxury ride” that is the Mumbai local 😄. After reaching Dahisar railway station, we checked Google Maps. It showed the Mandapeshwar Caves were just 1.5 km away, so we decided to walk. With fun banter, roasting each other, and peaceful roads guiding us, we finally reached the entrance of this ancient hidden gem — ready to explore!
🕉️ Exploring Mandapeshwar Caves – A Walk Through Time
As we entered the Mandapeshwar Caves, the first thing that caught our eyes was the huge garden-like entrance with big trees on both sides 🌳. Thanks to the rainy season, everything looked fresh and green. The pathway was clean and peaceful, and just as we came closer to the caves, a cool breeze touched our faces — and honestly, there’s something magical about the atmosphere near Mahadev temples, it always feels calm and divine ✨.
The caves are divided into two parts: the main cave and a smaller cave on the left. On top of the caves, we noticed some ruined and broken structures, reminding us of its ancient past. All the caves are carved out of a single rock, which is just mind-blowing 😲. We removed our shoes and stepped inside. At the entrance, we saw two lion sculptures, but they were badly damaged — only the shape of their paws and heads helped us guess they were lions.
Inside the cave, we saw a beautiful oil lamp, completely black and carved from stone — something I had never seen before 🪔. Just beside it was a broken old Nandi idol, and next to that stood a newer Nandi placed by devotees.
We bowed down and took blessings. The central sanctum still has a Shivaling that is actively worshipped, with a small Nandi bull in front of it. As we stepped inside the garbhagriha (inner shrine) of the temple, we felt a deep sense of peace.
On our way out, I noticed something carved at the entrance — maybe an ancient script — but it was hard to read. On the right side of the main cave, we explored another chamber, possibly once used by Buddhist monks, with symmetrical pillars and carvings that reflect the glory of ancient Indian art 🏛️.
Then we moved to the left-side cave, and oh boy — jaw-drop moment😮 Giant carvings of Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha, Brahma, and Indra Dev welcomed us. It’s truly amazing that such detailed art has survived for over 1500 years!
We captured as much of this rock-carved marvel on our phones 📸. Outside the cave, on the left, there’s a small water tank, used by devotees for jalabhishek and freshening up before entering the temple.
Next to the main cave is a second smaller cave, quite plain and with unfinished carvings and rough pillars — it looks like it was either never completed or used for a different purpose. We went in, clicked some fun pictures 📷, and then came outside to relax under a giant banyan tree 🌳.
While the pigeons enjoyed their lunch, we pulled out our mangoes, chilled for a while, and of course — took a final group selfie before wrapping up our visit to this ancient hidden gem – Mandapeshwar Caves. 🧡
Final Thoughts
Mandapeshwar Caves may not be as famous as Elephanta or Kanheri, but they’re rich in history, mystery, and serenity. Whether you’re a history nerd, a Lord Shiva devotee, or just someone looking to escape the noise of city life — this place will win your heart ❤️.
It’s amazing how such an ancient 1500-year-old monument stands tall between city buildings, holding stories of Buddhists, Hindus, Portuguese, and British — all carved into its stone.
If you’re in Mumbai and haven’t visited yet — don’t wait, go explore this forgotten chapter of history this weekend!
📝 If you loved reading this blog, don’t forget to share it with your fellow weekend explorers and travel buddies!
Planning to visit this historic gem – Mandapeshwar Caves on your next trip? Drop a comment below — would love to hear your plans!
Also, if you know any other hidden or underrated places to explore in Mumbai, do suggest them in the comments — let’s build a Mumbai travel bucket list together! 🗺️✨
How to Reach Mandapeshwar Caves
Mandapeshwar Caves are located in Borivali (West), Mumbai, near Dahisar. The best way to reach is:
By Local Train: Take a Western line train and get down at Dahisar railway station. From there, it’s just 1.5 km — you can either walk or take an auto-rickshaw.
By Road: If you’re driving or coming by cab, search for “Mandapeshwar Caves” on Google Maps. Parking nearby is limited, so plan accordingly.
👀 Things to See Inside the Caves
Main Cave Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, complete with a Shiva Linga, Nandi idols, and ancient oil lamp 🕯️.
Rock-Cut Architecture: Intricately carved sculptures of Nataraja, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, Brahma, and Indra Dev.
Old and New Nandi Idols: One ruined, one newly placed.
Stone Cross: A reminder of its time under Portuguese and British rule.
Second Cave: Simpler in design, likely unfinished, but worth checking out for its structure
Ancient water tank: Still used by locals and devotees for ritual purposes.
🏞️ Nearby Places to Explore
Mandapeshwar Caves - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Mandapeshwar Caves?
8th-century rock-cut Buddhist caves in Borivali, Mumbai, later a Hindu Shiva temple with Portuguese Christian influence.
2. Where are the Mandapeshwar Caves located?
Mount Poinsur, Laxman Mhatre Road, Borivali West, Mumbai, near Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
3. How can I reach the Mandapeshwar Caves?
Train to Borivali (2.6 km), then auto; Metro Line 2A to Eksar (2 km); or drive with limited parking.
4. What are the opening hours and entry fee?
Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; entry is free, donations appreciated.
5. What is the historical significance of the Mandapeshwar Caves?
Buddhist viharas from 550 CE, later Hindu Shiva shrine, then Portuguese chapel in the 16th century.
6. What can I expect to see inside the caves?
Shiva lingam, Nataraja and Ganesha carvings, rock-cut mandapa, water cisterns, and Portuguese church ruins.
7. Are the caves well-maintained?
ASI-maintained, clean but weathered; active Shiva shrine kept by priests.
8. What should I bring or prepare for a visit?
Sturdy shoes, water; visit early October–February, respect shrine sanctity.
9. Are there any nearby attractions to explore?
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri Caves (7 km), Gorai Beach, Borivali Market.
10. Is photography allowed, and are the caves crowded?
Personal photography allowed; uncrowded except during festivals like Maha Shivratri.
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