User:Sitaram Gopi Harmalkar

Lamgao Caves

Lamgao caves / Shree Rudreshwar cave

Lamgao caves, the Buddhist heritage in Goa are located in Bicholim, district of North Goa, the Lamgao caves are the best option if you are willing to go on a heritage tour. It is a cave cut out of a single laterite rock (hill) and is situated in the village of Lamgao 3 km away  from Bicholim town. The cave design is creative and stunning, they are covered by palms ( areca  catechu) and other fruit trees infront the reason being you cannot view the gateway.You will notice natural spring water flowing beside the pathway while walking to Rudreshwar cave. The Black stone ( Pashand stone) Shiv linga is housed in this first cave and that's how it got it's  name "Shree Rudreshwar Cave " infront of the cave the idol of  Nandi (bull) which is known as the transport of Lord Shiva in our hinduism is mount.

Every year many  people gather here to celebrate one of the largest  festivals in Bharat  "Shivaratri".

There is another cave that is bigger than this one and was used as a shelter in the rainy season. This cave has a complicated route going towards underground.

The village of Lamgao stands at a distance of 30 kilometers from Calangute beach.

Lamgao means the village of Buddhist monks. It has a historical background of inhabitation of Buddhists who came there to live the life of a monk inside the rock cut caves, it was previously known as Lamhagram. The natural springs were used by the Buddhist residents for drinking purposes.

You can observe an array of tropical birds roaming freely in the orchards, I spotted many Hornbills and peacocks on my last visit.

The caves are crafted out of single red laterite stone.The caves have a Buddhist background.The lingam is worshipped by local people every day. The area is surrounded by orchards with natural vegetation along with coconut ,mango, jackfruit and paddy trees.You will feel enchanted by the natural beauty of this place, it offers a rejuvenating environment that will leave you peaceful in mind and body after visiting.

For every full moon ( Poornima) and dark moon  (Amavasya) people come here to meditate at night.

This ancient heritage is something new to explore in Goa. Goa is not only a place of sun, sea and beaches but day by day new ancient hidden places are being discovered making Goa more attractive.

The next time you visit Goa, make sure you visit these Lamgao caves, you won't be disappointed.