Chandwad, historically significant as a center of trade, played a crucial role in connecting Khandesh to Nashik. Positioned strategically, the Chandwad Fort was built to oversee this trade route and protect the nearby Chandor pass in the hills.
Founding of Chandwad Fort
The fort was constructed around 801 AD by King Dridhaprahara, the founder of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty. Dridhaprahara’s lineage is believed to have connections with the holy cities of Dwarka and Mathura. Historian A. S. Altekar suggests that Dridhaprahara, a warrior active around 860 AD, rose to prominence during the Pratihara-Rashtrakuta wars that destabilized the Khandesh region. To protect the area from enemy raids, he established local control, collected taxes, and eventually founded the influential Yadava dynasty.
Dridhaprahara’s Devotion to Jainism
As a devout Jain, Dridhaprahara worshipped Tirthankara Chandraprabh. According to Jain texts, he named the town Chandor (also known as Chandradityapura) in honor of the deity. Dridhaprahara’s name appears in the inscriptions of Vasai (Bassein) and Asvi, evidencing his importance and religious affiliations.
Establishment of the Jain Caves
In addition to fortifications, Dridhaprahara and his son, Seunachandra, created the Jain Caves of Chandwad as sanctuaries for Jain monks. These monks traveled through the region on their way to other significant sites like Mangi-Tungi, Khandesh, Ellora, Anjaneri, and Gajpantha. Later, intricate carvings depicting Tirthankaras and other Jain figures were added to these caves. Seunachandra also became a feudatory of the Rashtrakutas, further extending the dynasty’s influence.
The Jain Caves and Carved Images
Located east of the village and west of Chandwad Fort, the Jain cave contains images of Tirthankaras, Yakshas, and Yakshinis. These carvings range from 2 to 4 feet in height. Notably, an image of Lord Rishabhnatha in Chandwad’s Jain temple bears an inscription indicating it was installed in 1235 AD (1292 Vikrama Samvat), highlighting the temple’s historical significance and the town’s Jain heritage.
How to Reach – Chandwad is a village situated in the Nasik district. This village is on Manmad Mangi Tungi route and 40 kms from Satana on the way to Mangitungi. The boarding and lodging facilities are available at the Dharamshala in the village.