Pandava caves
Five ancient dwellings excavated in the sandstone rock in a low hill. Pachmarhi derives its name from these caves which, as the legend goes, once provided sanctuary to the five Pandav brothers. These caves are now protected monuments.
It is a popular belief that the Pandav spent their exile here. The caves are single on plan, some of them having pillared. The caves have been built around 4 – 5 century A.D. No statue is being placed here. Earlier before Pandav’s Exile, Buddha Bhikshu’s do their mediation in these caves.
Later after 300 years Hindu people have founded these caves. The facade of cave No. 2 is carved with simple chaitya Arc- Motifs. Cave No. 3 is decorated with miniature figures of Jambhal (god of wealth) carved at its bottom. On the bases of inscription of Cave No.3 these could not been carved before the Gupta Period (4 – 5 Century A.D.)In 1999, Archeologist of Archeological Survey of India, Bhopal circle discovered remains of Brick built Stupas above Pandav Caves.
