Bhaja is one of the important Buddist centers of Hinayana fait in Maharastra. The group consists of 22 excavations and is located on a hill near Bhaja village, Maval Taluka in district Pune.
All the caves are belonging to the Hinayana phase and are dated from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. They are excavated on a scrap of the hill at a height of 120 meter above the surrounding plains.
The most prominent among the excavations is the Chaityagriha. It consists of a large apsidal hall measuring 17 meters by 8 meters. The hall is divides into a central nave and side aisles divided by 27 pillars. The ceiling of the nave is vaulted and original wooden beams are fixed inside. A stupa is placed at the back for worship.
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