The Shivleni Caves (Shiva leni; Jogai Mandap; Hattikhana) in Ambajogai, Maharashtra, India are rock-cut cave monuments[1] which date in King Udayaditya (reigned c. 1060–1087) from Paramara dynasty of Malwa. Total excavations were hewn out of rock cut and carved deep inside the hill. The caves include sculptures of Hindu deities like Shiva, Saptamatrukas and Ganesha.
“List of State Protected Monuments in Maharashtra” as a protected monument in the care of the Department of Archaeology of Maharashtra, under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. The Shivleni Caves have also been an Archaeological Survey of India Heritage Site.
Shivleni Caves are situated hardly half a kilometer to the north-west of Yogeshvari Temple, along the banks of the Jayvanti river. The caves are square in shape and are carved deep inside the hill. The entrance is on the southern side of the hill. Inside Mandap (pavilion) has an 8.36 sq m. court-yard in front and the roof of Mandap is supported by four pillars.
An inscription found here dated Saka 1066 records the grant for the maintenance of these caves by the king Udayaditya who is referenced as “Mahamandaleshvar”. According to the inscription, villages of Sailu, Kumbhephal, Javalganv and a few others were granted to the Shiva temple. This inscription has been relocated to the Tahsildar’s office at Ambajogai for safe custody and preservation.
