Tulja and Suleman Caves Workshop

Date: 25/12/2025

Organizer: Daan Paramita Foundation

On 25th December, people from across Maharashtra—Mumbai, Nashik, Ratnagiri, Amravati, and other places—came to visit the Suleman Caves. The allure to explore the caves was strong, and rightfully so! The name “Suleman Caves” carries its own mystique. These caves, however, have often been overlooked despite their significance. The reason for neglect? The proximity to more famous landmarks like the Leanyadri Caves and the Ganesh Pahad, which attract large crowds, causing people to be unaware of the Suleman Caves.

Even the locals didn’t seem to know much about the Suleman Caves. However, after contacting experts, the group managed to find the hidden path leading to the caves.

Junnar:

Junnar, located in Pune district, is an ancient city nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range. It was historically a key trade, political, and religious center, especially during the Satavahana period. The city is surrounded by several prominent hills and the Kukadi river. The caves here, created between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, contain around 30 rock-cut structures, mainly used as residences for Buddhist monks. These caves also hold inscriptions and coins from the Roman Empire, signifying their importance on international trade routes.

Suleman Caves:

The Suleman Caves are situated about 4.8 km north of Junnar, on Suleman Hill, in the village of Golegaon. These caves, part of Maharashtra’s rich historical heritage, have been largely overlooked due to their remote location. The Daan Paramita Foundation team, led by Sunil Khare, undertook the challenging task of clearing the narrow path leading to the caves, ensuring the safety of the visitors.

Upon reaching the caves, visitors experienced a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment, especially during meditation sessions guided by Sunil Khare and Santosh Ambhore. The architecture of the cave’s Chaityagriha, though smaller than expected, was filled with exquisite carvings symbolizing Buddhist teachings, including the Bodhi tree, Dharma Wheel, and Swastika motifs. These carvings are powerful symbols of Buddha’s teachings, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment.

In conclusion, the journey to Suleman Caves highlighted the unfortunate neglect these ancient sites face. Despite their beauty and historical importance, there is a lack of signage and awareness about these caves, which is a significant loss for heritage preservation.

Author & Compiler: Asha Mukesh Uke ✍️🪷