Bava Pyare Caves

The Bava Pyara Caves are ancient rock-cut caverns near Junagadh in Gujarat, India, forming part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups. The complex comprises 13 caves modelled on three floors, carved along a 45-metre rock face and influenced by Satavahana architecture with Graeco-Scythian stylistic elements. Dated to the 2nd-3rd century AD, the caves were initially constructed for Buddhist monks but later became a sanctuary for Jain ascetics, as evidenced by the addition of Jain auspicious symbols including the Swastika, Nandhyavarta, and Purna Ghata above door frames. The caves are located near Modhimath, outside the Uparkot fort complex, and are considered better preserved than the nearby Khapara Kodia caves.