About Dungeshwari Cave Temple
Before descending to the sacred town of Bodhgaya, Lord Buddha spent several years of his exile at the lesser-known Dungeshwari caves (also called the Mahakala caves). These caves now house several temples which are widely visited by pilgrims who follow the trail of Lord Buddha's journey. Although the aesthetics of the caves are not as appealing as Ajanta and Ellora's, the mystical aura has remained intact over the years.
The caves here have Hindu and Buddhist shrines and some people are attracted to this place because of the sheer energy they believe the place generates, because of its association with Lord Buddha. Getting to the Dungeshwari cave temples is relatively easier from Gaya rather than travelling up from Bodhgaya, since the latter is usually overcrowded with locals and travellers. Since there's not much distance to be covered, one can take a rickshaw directly to the caves.
Dungeshwari Hills are located at a distance of about 12-15 kms from Gaya, along the Falgu river. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang has mentioned these hills in his travelogue. The hills are most famous for the cave temples where Lord Buddha is said to have meditated before arriving in Gaya for his enlightenment.
The caves might lack visual appeal but offer a surreal experience for those who let the transcendental energy take over their conscience.
Location & Places to Visit on Dungeshwari Cave Temple Map
View destinations and attractions nearby Dungeshwari Cave Temple, on an interactive map.
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Places to Visit near Dungeshwari Cave Temple
Vishnupad Temple, Bihar
12.4 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Vishnupad temple, so named because it houses a large footprint of Lord Vishnu, is a holy place of worship and offering for Hindus. The temple and...
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Ratnaghara, Bihar
20.1 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Ratnaghara is a part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in Gaya and a lot of Buddhists or those fascinated by Buddhism visit Ratnaghara. It is...
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Tibetan Monastery - Bodhgaya, Bihar
20.3 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Tibetan Monastery in Gaya was established in 1938 and is across the road from Mahabodhi Temple. A huge 'dharmachakra' is housed within the...
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Bodhi Tree, Bihar
20.6 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a 'peepal' (sacred fig/Ficus religiosa) tree called as the Bodhi Tree or Bo . The tree that played such...
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Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
20.6 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the location of the Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. One of the four...
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Rajayatna Tree, Bihar
20.7 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Rajayatna tree is located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, on the south-west of the main temple. It is believed that in the seventh week of...
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Chinese Temple - Gaya, Bihar
25.4 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Gaya's Chinese Temple is built using the same architectural styles of most Chinese Temple. It is not every day that you come across traditional...
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Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, Bihar
25.4 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
In the heart of Gaya, about 15 kms from city center, stands a Buddhist shrine embracing Japanese architecture called Indosan Nippon Japanese...
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Great Buddha Statue - Daijokyo Buddhist Temple, Bihar
25.4 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Great Buddha Statue is 80 ft statue of Lord Buddha sitting in 'Dhyana' position is located in Daijokyo Buddhist Temple in Gaya. It is one of the...
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Barabar Caves ( Barabar Hills ), Bihar
39.4 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Located about 25 KMs from Gaya, Barabar Hills have India's oldest surviving rock-cut caves called Barabar Caves. The Barabar caves probably belong...
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Nalanda, Bihar
87 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Nalanda city is an ancient center for learning, which is situated 88 km from the southeastern end of Patna. The red brick structure covers over...
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Jalmandir Temple, Bihar
90.6 km from Dungeshwari Cave Temple - See map
Jalmandir Temple as the name implies is situated amongst a lake that is blooming with lotuses. The temple is dedicated to lord Mahivra and is...
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