Captured by : pick 2
Much before the Churches, mosques and the mammoth temples sprung up in Goa, the state also had a flourishing Buddhist presence. Goa’s Buddhist footprint is evident thanks to heritage structures like the Buddhist caves at Rivona in South Goa. A visit to these sixth century AD caves can be a real nice experience, especially because of the other allied activities which you can simultaneously indulge in along the way.
The caves are carved and hollowed spaces in a laterite pocket of a largish hillock. What remains today is the pitha, from where Buddhist monks of the time would have used to preach to followers of the religion about the beauty of concepts like dharma, non-violence and renunciation.
You can also see the remnants of what appears to be a water tank with steps leading to the bottom as well as a several-centuries old carved relief sculpture of Lord Hanuman.
There is also a widely held belief that the mythical Pandava brothers stayed at this cave during exile which is one of the reasons why it is still called Pandava caves.
And finally, what’s wonderful about a trip to Rivona is the natural beauty which this rural pocket abounds in. There is also a hot water spring nearby available to rest your weary legs.
What: A visit to Buddhist caves
Where: Rivona, around 30 kms from Margao.
