The Nagarjuna caves, large in size, depict the Jataka tales.
An excellent work of architecture, these caves includes
bow shaped arches at the entrance, circular halls and mini
caves, all polished from inside. The Sudama cave, a two
chambered structure with polished interiors, is the perfect
example of this type of cave. Towards the north of the Sudama
cave lies Karan Choper or Supriya cave; this is a single
chambered structure with a vaulted roof and small gate.
Secondly, the caves of the five Pandavas form another part
of the Barabar caves. THese caves, used by five brothers,
the Pandavas in their exile in the Mahabharata period, are
small in size.
The Barabar caves, generally found in the shape of a cottage
or hut, open on one side with other three sides walled with
stone. With their interiors smooth and soothing, these caves
also served as retreats for the Jain and Buddhist monks.
Among the Buddhist caves, the Lomas Rishi cave is the finest
example of the world famous Indian Buddhist Chaitya arch
style.
The home to Barabar
» Gaya - Situated on the bank of the Phalgu river,
Gaya in Bihar is a venerated place for the Hindus as well
as the Buddhists. It was at Gaya where The Buddha preached
the reality of life (in Bodh Gaya) and Hindu God Vishnu
preached the reality of death.
Other Cave Attractions
» Swarna Bhandar - The Swarna Bhandar or the King
Bimbisara's treasury, is also known as the twin rock cut
caves in Rajgir. A major tourist destination, two cave chambers
were hollowed out of a single massive rock, one of which
is believed to have been the guards' room. The rear wall
or the doorway which has two straight vertical lines and
one horizontal line cut into the rock, is supposed to lead
to king Bimbisara's treasury. The inscriptions carved on
the wall in Sankhalipi or shell script has not be deciphered
yet and considered to be the clue to open the golden treasury.
Karan Chopar, a single-chamber-structure with a vaulted
roof and simple opening in the rock face lies to the north
of this cave. This cave was chiseled in the 19th regal year
of Ashoka. Early inscription refer it as Supriya cave while
later inscriptions call it with various names like Bodhimula
(The root of intelligence), Daridra Kandara (the cave of
the poor) etc. About 1000 yards east of this cave lies the
fourth two-chamber cave -- Vishva Zopari excavated in the
12th regal year of Ashoka.
How to Get There
Air
The nearest airports are at Patna(105 km) and Gaya(20 km).
The Gaya airport is a domestic airport but at the same time
is connected to international cities of Colombo and Bangkok.
Rail
The nearest rail heads are at Gaya(20 km) and Bela(8 km).
Road
The Barabar caves, 20 kilometers away from Gaya, are well
connected by roadways to other major places such as Patna(105
km), the state capital of Bihar, Bodh Gaya(12 km).
