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Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India Gajadhvaja, on the outskirts of Nasik city (Premi 1956a: 431). In the Prakrit text 'Nirvanakanda', it is stated that from Gajapanthagiri, seven Balabhadras and Yadava kings as well as eight crore monks attained liberation (Premi 1956a: 431). In the Sanskrit text 'Nirvanabhakti', the site is mentioned as Gajapantha (Manual on the site 1989: 2). Another reference comes from the commentary on the 27th verse of 'Bodhaprabhuť, by Acharya Srutsagar. Here the site is referred to as “Nasikyanagarasamipaparvati Gajadhvaja-Gajapantha" (Premi 1956a: 432, Footnote 1). It is clear that the tirtha was close to Nasik town and was possibly known by both names, Gajapantha and Gajadhvaja. Shrutsagar himself had gone on pilgrimage to Gajapanthagiri sometime between 1445 and 1465 CE as mentioned in his 'Palyavidhanvratakatha' (Premi 1956a: 432). In * Tirthacanachandrika of Gunabhadra (ca. 1575 CE) the site is referred to as Gajapantha, along with Tungigiri and a number of other Digambara tirthas (Premi 1956a: 424 Footnote 1). In Jambusvāmi Charitra Gajapantha is referred to as being in Ahirdesh (Akkole 1968: 192). However, Muni Silavijaya does not refer to this site, though he mentions Nasik. It is possible that by late 17th century, the site was forgotten (Premi 1956a: 434).
Development of the site
It is clear that right from its excavation sometime in the late 11th-early 12th century CE to at least late 17th century CE, the site was a popular and active Jaina tirtha. Like MangiTungi, this site also is associated with nirvana of monks and Balabhadras. This conicalshaped and isolated hill must have been used by the Jaina mionks for penance and the possibility of some of them following ritual death could not be ruled out. That could have been the reason why the caves were excavated on this hill later on. The earliest reference to the site is in late 10th century CE, while the architectural and iconographic features suggest a much later date. It is quite possible that the hill was associated with Jainism from earlier times and was embellished with caves later on.
The site was forgotten for a century or so before it was revived in recent years by Kshemendrakirti as mentioned in 'Gajapanthachalamandala-puja', a MS in the temple at Mahsrul village at the foot of the hill (Premi 1956a: 433). These caves have been renovated and taken over by the Jainas. There is a temple at the foot of the hill, where a dharmasala is maintained by the Jainas. There are a few more dharmasalas in the village of Mahsrul, which is about 2 km from the hill. This village also has about a century old Mahāvira temple and a mānastambha in front of the temple. It is a very popular Digambara tirtha at present.
ANJANERI
The Jaina cave at Anjaneri dates from the middle of 12th century CE. Since the village is just 22 km from Nasik, it must have formed part of the same division as Nasik throughout history. There are no direct epigraphic or literary references to the cave, but from a few inscriptions, stray references in some texts and the wealth of architectural remains scattered around the village, it appears that the village was an important place during medieval times.
