On the mountain called Bhamacandra, at Bhamboli in Pune district, a few caves have been excavated during the medieval period. This location is only 40 km from Pune and 11 km from Dehu village. These caves are important for the Vārakarī sect, and they have been accorded pilgrimage status by the government. As per his Abhaṅgas, Sant Tukāram Mahārāja, the famous Vārakarī saint of the seventeenth century, would meditate in a mountain cave here. He once resolved to meditate for 15 days on this 'Bhāmbagirī' (Bhāmacandra) mountain, on his favourite deity, Vīṭṭhala, in his quest to attain nirvāṇa. During this time, he faced grave dangers from snakes, scorpions, and tigers but remained steadfast in his meditation. Ultimately, he was rewarded with a vision of the formless Vīṭṭhala. A sculpture commemorating this event can be found in one of the caves.

Bhāmacandra mountain

About the caves: Six caves/natural dwellings can be found at the foot of a tall, massive ridge on Bhāmcandra mountain. Two of these are natural caves, and others show evidence of excavation. Also, five water cisterns are excavated in the complex. The first water cistern is appropriately excavated and known as 'Sītā’s bath' (Sītecī Nahāṇī). Here are the details of the four most important caves.

Sītā’s bath' (Sītecī Nahāṇī)

Cave No. 1 (Bhāmacandra Mahādeva Temple) is like a rock-cut cave temple. Visitors to the Bhāmcandra caves visit this cave first. It has a temple of Mahādeva, also known as Bhāmacandra Mahādeva Temple. Upon entering the temple, visitors pass through an archway that leads to the hall and the garbhagṛha. The sabhāmaṇḍapa is architecturally notable for its four stone pillars, which surround a central Raṅgaśīlā that has a magnificent lotus flower on its roof. Additionally, there are stone images of other figures like Gaṇeśa, Jogeśvarī and Bhairava, although the identification of the last two remains uncertain.

Cave No. 1 (Bhāmacandra Mahādeva Temple).

One can directly go to the garbhagṛha from the sabhāmaṇḍapa. The doorway to the garbhagṛha is attractive and has pillar branches. Śaiva Gatekeepers are carved under these branches. The Udumbara has a gem (Ratna) design in the center and has kīrtimukhas on either side. There is an image of Gaṇeśa on the lalātapaṭṭī. Apart from this, Mālādhārīs, Devī, and other images are seen in the doorway. In the center of the garbhagṛha is a Śivaliṅga. Behind the Śivaliṅga is carved an idol of a devotee or yogi in Añjalī Mudrā and Padmāsana. There is also an attractive lotus flower on the roof of the garbhagṛha. Unnecessary paintwork has been done on all parts of the temple. This entire temple is carved in stone, and from its architectural style, it seems to be around the 15th century.

The doorway to the garbhagṛha.

The Śivaliṅga and a devotee or yogi in Añjalī Mudrā and Padmāsana.

Cave Nos. 2 and 3 are located at a short distance from Cave No. 1 and appear to have been recently expanded. Inside is a spacious hall where members of the Vārakarī sect are currently residing. A collection of sculptures, including one of Bālakṛṣṇa, is kept under a tree outside this cave nearby. A samādhī stone is also present at this site. From the initial cave, two paths diverge. One leads to a third cave, which is simple and lacks notable architectural features. Carved steps facilitate the mountain ascent. Climbing further reveals a natural cave atop a hill known as Bhāgiratha Kuṇḍa. This location is thought to have connections to the Rāmāyaṇa and may be associated with Yonī-pūjā.

Cave No. 2.

Bālakṛṣṇa (?).

Carved steps facilitate the mountain ascent.

A natural cave atop a hill and Bhāgiratha Kuṇḍa.

Cave No. 4, also known as Tukārāma Mahārāja Cave, is located a short distance away from Cave No. 3. Although small, it is an important cave as Saint Tukārāma is believed to have meditated here. The cave has dimensions of approximately 6 feet in height, 6 feet in width, and 10 feet in depth. Inside, there is a stone carving of Saint Tukārāma holding a vīṇā, with carvings of snakes and tigers on either side. The cave also houses idols of Viṭṭhal and Rukmīṇī. Adjacent medieval ruins include an inscription in Marathi and Devanāgarī script that spans three lines, as well as an idol of Gaṇeśa. There are also another two Devanāgarī inscriptions are on the hill. Another natural cave is situated close to this primary site.

A stone carving of Saint Tukārāma holding a vīṇā.

Conclusion: Overall, this site is a pilgrimage paradise for the followers of the Vārakarī sect and tourists, and it looks particularly stunning during monsoons. Although these caves are simple, they hold great significance in Maharashtra's cultural and religious sphere due to Saint Tukāram's presence on the site. The presence of caves, carvings, and ruins on Bhāmcandra mountain suggests a rich history spanning from the 15th to the 18th centuries.  These Hindu religious caves show the last phase in developing rock-cut cave architecture in Western India.