The protector deities of Sanjay Gandhi National park (Borivali)
Borivali Sanjay Gandhi National park, a protected area is one of the most visited national park within the metropolitan city limits of Mumbai. It covers an area of 103 sq kms. Apart from its rich flora and fauna, the area of national park lies on an important route which connected the two ancient port towns of Sopara and Kalyan. These ancient ports had trading relations with older cities of the world like Greece and Mesopotamia. The history of National park dates back to 1st century BCE when Buddhist monks chiselled out massive basaltic rocks to create the world famous Buddhist learning and pilgrimage site of Kanheri. Over 109 caves were carved filled with sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions between 1st century to 9th century BCE. The forested areas of the national park were first inhabited by the monks who stayed at the monasteries of Kanheri. But in modern times there are quite a large tribal populations who have been staying inside or on the fringes of national p