Dungeshwari (Mahakala) Cavesडुंगेश्वरी गुफ़ा
The hill caves where the Buddha starved for six years before choosing the middle way.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereGaya, Bihar
Magadh
Magadh
Best time to visit15 October to 15 March
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February)
DifficultyEasy
Height150 m above sea level
Time needed2 hrs
Base and nearbyDungeshwari, Bodh Gaya
EntryFree
About Dungeshwari (Mahakala) Caves
On Pragbodhi hill, 12 km north-east of Bodh Gaya, are the caves where Siddhartha is said to have spent six years of extreme fasting before he gave it up and crossed to the Bodhi tree. A small Tibetan monastery now keeps the main cave, which holds a gaunt gold image of the emaciated Buddha, and a Hindu shrine to Dungeshwari Devi shares the hill. The short climb up the steps gives views over the Phalgu plain. Rough road but an easy half morning.
What to see and do
- Cave of the six years of austerity
- Gilded emaciated Buddha image
- Tibetan monastery on the hill
- Dungeshwari Devi shrine
- Views over the Phalgu plain
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Gaya
- Brahmayoni HillGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage Routes440 steps up the hill where the Buddha gave the Fire Sermon, for the best view over Gaya.
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh GayaGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesWhere the Buddha found enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. UNESCO site, best at dawn or after dark.
- Mangla Gauri TempleGaya, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesA Shakti Peeth on a low hill in Gaya, ten minutes' climb from Vishnupad.
- Vishnupad TempleGaya, Bihar · Temples & ShrinesVishnu's footprint on the Phalgu, where India comes to feed its ancestors each Pitru Paksha.
- Great Buddha StatueGaya, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe 80-foot meditating Buddha of Bodh Gaya, consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1989.
- Sujata Stupa, BakraurGaya, Bihar · Monuments & HeritageThe brick stupa across the river marking the home of Sujata, who fed the Buddha kheer.
- The Monasteries of Bodh GayaGaya, Bihar · Pilgrimage RoutesThai, Japanese, Bhutanese and Tibetan monasteries in one small town. Busiest December to February.
- Bodh Gaya Archaeological MuseumGaya, Bihar · MuseumsThe ASI museum holding the original railing pillars of the Mahabodhi Temple. Closed Fridays.
All places in Gaya · All places in Bihar
Jagah Pedia home · All places A to Z · Privacy · Terms
Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.