About Saru Maru Buddhist Caves
Saru Maru Buddhist Caves is an ancient rock-cut monastic site located near Panguraria village in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh. Dating to the 3rd century BCE Mauryan period, it comprises natural and rock-cut caves, stupas and monastic remains. It is notable for an Ashokan inscription and early Brahmi inscriptions, making it one of the earliest known Buddhist sites in central India, situated on a low hill amid forested terrain.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet, forested hill site with a cluster of small rock-cut and natural caves, remains of brick and stone stupas, and monastic platforms. The caves are simple, unadorned shelters used by Buddhist monks. The main interest is the Ashokan rock inscription and Brahmi inscriptions. Access involves a short uphill trek on rocky paths. There are no elaborate structures, and the surroundings are natural and largely undeveloped.
Key highlights
- 01
Rock-cut and natural caves used as ancient Buddhist monastic dwellings
- 02
Ashokan rock inscription from the 3rd century BCE
- 03
Early Brahmi inscriptions recording monastic dedications
- 04
Remains of ancient stupas and monastic structures on the hilltop
- 05
Forested hill setting with panoramic views of surrounding countryside
History of Saru Maru Buddhist Caves
Saru Maru dates to the Mauryan period, 3rd century BCE, and represents one of the earliest Buddhist monastic settlements in central India. It contains a rock inscription of Emperor Ashoka and Brahmi inscriptions mentioning monks and monastic activity. The site includes early stupas and rock-cut shelters indicating its use as a Buddhist monastery during the early historic period.
Culture & Context
The site is significant as an early Buddhist monastic centre illustrating the spread of Buddhism in central India during the Mauryan era. It reflects ancient monastic traditions of rock-cut dwellings and stupa worship and is valued for its epigraphical evidence of early Brahmi script and Buddhist practices.
Route
| By air |
|---|