Mandapeshwar Caves 2023 – A Hindu Shrine at Borivali

” It is the Year 2023, The remains of 8th Century beautiful Edifice, a Historic Structure, Mandapeshwar caves is a basaltic rock-cut architecture and a Hindu shrine of Lord Shiva located behind Borivali IC Colony (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception).

At walking distance from Dahisar Railway Station which was actually built on the Riverbank of the flowing Dahisar River which still exists. Let us understand the Historics of this 500-year-old structure of this cave and current attractions & what to expect, How to reach and other facts…”

Lord Shiva's Mandapeshwar Caves at Borivali / Dahisar.
Lord Shiva’s Mandapeshwar Caves at Borivali / Dahisar.

Brief History Of This Caves

Carved into basaltic rocks of Salsette and built by a Shaivite around the 6th Common Era (CE), Mandapeshwar caves were one of the shelters in the Northern suburbs of Mumbai city and originally a Hindu Shrine.

Carved and built in a hilly location of the now called ‘IC Colony’, The cave is at the banks of Dahisar River which origins at Borivali River from the mountains of the National Park & Kanheri caves inside.

The flowing Dahisar River is still not far, Just hidden, and cannot be seen from the cave area due to the course of developments and urbanization in the last few decades.

While the location and this Historic structure of Mandapeshwar are quoted and said to be part of Borivali as it is located in the backdrop of IC Colony area, The place is much connected and near to Dahisar station & the flowing river.

A Cave dedicated to the Hindu God & Shrine of lord Shiva was Converted into a Chapel & monastery by the Portuguese and won back by Maratha to regain its originality of being a Hindu Shrine again in the last 500 years or so, The caves were lost the original carvings and the structure was disturbed in the religious battle.

It was 1544 when the Portuguese took over all Mumbai islands including Bassein (Now Vasai) and this hilly area of IC Colony.

They built the Manapacer church (Now, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) to train Christianity to locals, and in about a century, next i.e. around 1630 many locals were converted and followed the Roman Catholic way. For the same, The monastery was actually built on top of the caves and the remains are still visible and accessible.

Then in 1739 when Marathas took over Mumbai back, the already disturbed caves were restored and the monastery/chapel on top was destroyed. Then came the British and the church was restored in around 1887-88 and this went on till 1912 when it was finally done.

As of date after the British era ended and were asked to leave India, The Cave regained its originality as a Hindu Shrine and the Worship of Lord Shiva continues to date. Today also, This Historic Shiva temple cave sees many footfalls that give shade to locals during summer, kids play around and see glowing on Maha Shivratri night as the surroundings are lightened up.

Caves Speciality

Below pictures and videos will tell much about this historic monument located in Mumbai suburban (Borivali), as already detailed in Wikipedia.

Upon the construction of the Dahisar River bridge, Now caves are just 12 minutes walking distance from Dahisar railway station (West), where I personally went and enjoyed the walk on a beautiful monsoon evening.

Carved by Buddhist monks for shelter, meditation, and trade, This place’s rock carving and art are similar to those of the Kanheri and Jogeshwari caves. It is a less famous and smaller historic monument cum Hindu Shrine protected and taken care of by the Indian Archaeology Society.

As of 2022, The leftover structure of this heritage marvel was ignored by me many times while passing by via vehicles as no one can expect a beautiful piece of history right in the middle of the hustle-bustle of the main road.

The place is located next to Shastri Nagar bus stop, Dahisar (West) on Laxman Mhatre Road with slums on the other side of the sloppy road, and IC Colony right behind the Caves location.

Mandapeshwar Caves is a small rock-cut Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The remains of the stoned carved sculptures of Bramha, Vishnu, Ganesh, and many others are something rare to be seen today in Mumbai city.

We have 4 similar carved and bigger caves compared to this one in and around Mumbai which are (Elephanta caves, Kanheri Caves inside National Park, Mahakali Caves and Jogeshwari Caves).

It is a beautiful solitary place with Shiva Linga temple inside as seen in the pictures. This area inside the cave is always cooler than the outside temperature. On top of the caves are the remains of an old monastery that can be seen once you climb the muddy slope route on the right.

As I went upstairs, I found local resident kids playing cricket inside the ruined chapel stones which is an isolated area. Easy accessible by youngsters in groups as I saw them behind a wall, which is something I didn’t expect at a heritage structure.

A surprise view of ‘Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery’ at one location on the backside of the top area just adjacent to those ruins. Adjacent to the place are a few buildings and this beautiful IC Church (A Roman Catholic Church) which is one of the very peaceful and serene churches of Borivali.

Best Time To Visit: For me, Monsoon was the perfect time to visit these caves or any such edifice, Because the city summers are hot & humid. If you are around Borivali or Dahisar, you should visit this heritage beauty, Especially during the ‘Maha Shivaratri Festival’ when the open space in front of caves and the Shiva temple inside is all lit up with hundreds of oil lamps and garlands of flowers, A view rarely seen at any caves as old as 500 years old now.

Mandapeshwar is not a famous cave compared to others, But if you are a Historian or a citizen staying in the Mumbai suburb, You should visit this place at least once as it is a rare piece of surprise located behind the gates with congested traffic on the immediately connected road with auto’s parked all the times.

Mandapeshwar Fast Facts

Car Parking: Parking need to be done outside the gate on the main road side, Safe although.
Wash room etc : Nothing as such available inside.
Safety & Timings: Caves are safe to explore, Still when alone or in a couple you might feel uncomfortable going to the top area which is isolated, and some locals (Youngsters & Kids) moving around. Security is available day and night as it is a heritage location. Gates are open till late evening and most locals hang around the premise for a routine break and chit-chat.
Nearest Railway Station: Dahisar is the nearest railway station now after the new river bridge opens, Still one can ride an auto from Borivali too.

Best time & season to visit: Monsoon makes the surroundings of the cave green with trees, freshness, and cool climate, Winters are also ok, But summers are hot. Visit early morning or in the evening time if not during monsoon.
Rules: Coconut breaking (Hindu Ritual) is not allowed inside the Shiva temple / Caves area as it is a heritage site and damage to remains of rock-cut art may happen.
My Ratings: 3.5 out of 5 as authorities can do much more for this unique Edifice for its historic importance.

Best 3 Videos of Mandapeshwar Caves

Caves & Surrounding Pictures

Caves When Raining
Caves When Raining

Main Entrance Area Of Caves
Main Entrance Area Of Caves

Lord Shiva Temple Inside
Lord Shiva Temple Inside

Side View
Side View

8th Century Ruins
8th Century Ruins

Rock Cut Sculptures
Rock Cut Sculptures

Caves Pillars
Caves Pillars

Cave Rocks
Cave Rocks

Banyan Tree
Banyan Tree

Remains Of Portuguese Church
Remains Of Portuguese Church

Caves Top
Caves Top

Notice Board
Notice Board

Premise
Premise

A Local Uncle
A Local Uncle

Uncle Planting Near Gate
Uncle Planting Near Gate



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Greetings, I am Deven, the founder of Mumbai77. With immense passion, I have dedicated my full-time efforts to continuously learn and update important information about Mumbai city. Currently, I am a full-time blogger residing in Mumbai. Since its establishment on July 7, 2007, Mumbai77 has attracted millions of pageviews. Our website aims to provide valuable information, including my personal reviews and experiences, to assist individuals worldwide in their search for updated information about Mumbai city.

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