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Bahrot Caves

The Bahrot Caves are located near Dahanu in the state of Maharashtra. A quick search for “Bahrot caves, Dhamanagaon, Maharashtra” on Google maps can pinpoint its location. The Bahrot caves hold a historic significance and are the only Parsi or Zoroastrian Cave temple in India. These caves have an awe inspiring story and stand as the testimony of the strength and valour of the Zarathosti ancestors against all odds to save their faith.

Architecture

The Bahrot Caves are made of water cisterns which are placed in the line of seven to form a cliff face. The Bahrot hill forms a huge outline of the Western Ghats and the water cisterns are carved on the face of the hill.

The access to the hill is through a steep path with a 4 km long trek, the hill itself is located in a scheduled area. The caves can be reached via the town of Gholvad. This town is at a distance of roughly 140 km north of Mumbai near the beach, from here you need to go towards Aswali village which is named the same as its namesake the Aswali dam. There is 2 to 3 hour climb to reach the top of the caves from the Aswali village.

The caves are stationed on a very steep cliff and can be seen from the eastern edge of Bahrot hill. The height of the hill is about 1,500 feet with a small tableland on the top and has been strengthened by walls on all three sides to ensure that the cliff itself does not need any protection. There is debris of a small bulwark on its northern end. This is the juncture that the path initiates into the tableland and proceeds towards the caves.

You can still find the remains and stone outlines of structures inside the fort. The British referred the Bahrot Peak as St John's peak. The cisterns are rectangular shaped tanks and used to hold water. Two of these cisterns have been carved from the rock and are supported by pillars. Regretfully, only one of the cisterns holds water and that also only till end of January to the beginning of February, they fill up to the brim again during the monsoons.

One of the largest of the cisterns is always for the entire year. This is the cave in which their holy sacred icon which they called the e Iran shah fire, was safe guarded.

These caves have a strong historical and religious significance to the Zoroastrians. Lore’s reveal that in the year 1351AD, Zarathosti ancestors escaped from Iran and took refuge in India to conceal themselves in the caves from the Muslim invaders for 13 long years. The ancestors of Zarathosti or Parsis have said to have blessed an Iranian Fire temple in the hills. When the Parsis took refuge in the Bahrot, they took along with them the fire which was then transferred to these Bahrot caves. This fire, better known as ‘Iran shah Flame’ is watched over and ensured it is burning till date.

The brave Parsis lived and survived the harsh conditions of Bahrot to keep their Faith in Ahura-Mazda (the founder of Zoroastrianism) burning. Due to this, a Jashan is performed inside the caves to pay respect to the brave warriors. Pilgrims and tourists can watch and pay homage to the Holy Fire still burning inside the main cave. These caves are paramount in preserving the tradition and a story in itself in remembrance of all the brave men who sacrificed their lives to keep the Iran shah flame burning.

History

In these caves, pottery, glassware and coins dating back to the Sassanian period of Iran (the last Zoroastrian dynasty) have been found. This corroborates the thesis of historians that there was a strong trade happening between the Iranian Zoroastrians and the Gujarat coast. Sanjan was a well-known and prosperous port with whom the Iranians had close connections.

This familiarity with Sanjan was the reason the Parsis decided to seek refuge in the caves there and also why they received such a warm welcome. The Parsis were no strangers to Sanjan; the trade helped them become accustomed to each other’s language and customs.

Accessibility

Bahrot caves can be reached

By Air

The closet location is Mumbai, 145 Kms away from Bordi. Mumbai has an international airport (Chatrapati Shivaji International airport) and is well connected, both domestically and overseas.

By Rail

The nearest train station is Gholvad, which is located at a distance of 1.5km from the nearest town Bordi.

By Road

There are many state owned bus services to Bordi from nearby cities.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Be ready for extreme climates at Bordi. The summers of Bordi gets very hot and the climate gets very cool in winter.

  • Summers (March to June): These months are associated with extreme hot and humid climate with May is the hottest of all months, temperature varying to a maximum of 45 °C. Sea breeze provides some relief to the scorching heat. Tourists avoid outings during this month.
  • Monsoons (July to September): These months give medium rainfall and give a relief to the intense heat, and atmosphere is humid with temperate climate.
  • Winters (December to February): These months are the pleasant season with nights having cold weather, reaching temperature at 12 °C.
  • The best time to visit Bordi is from August to February.
  • October to March: These months offer moderate to cool temperature which is and suitable for all types of outdoor activities.
  • July to September: These are the months that you can plan short trips and sightseeing.
  • April to June: These months are real hot and not advisable to visit as it can get very exhausting due to hot and humid temperature.

Accommodation

The city of Dahanu offers multiple staying options depending on one’s budget. The city has star hotels, resorts, budget accommodations, MTDC guest houses and lodges with basic amenities. The city is well serviced by buses and autos that travel around the city. For adventurous and budget travels, one can choose 6 sitters as well.

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