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Odisha Part 11: Discovering the Jaina Heritage of Odisha at the caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri

The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
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Skywatch Friday



Sunset over the concrete jungle of Mumbai

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Comments

  1. ShubdMarch 12, 2010 at 9:39 AM

    Hi Anu
    That is a lovely pic you have !

    And it seems a lot of us have been watching the same sun !!! ;)

    thanks for your visit and the lovely comment.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bhavesh ChhatbarMarch 12, 2010 at 10:02 AM

    It looks like a blessing on Mumbai!

    Bhavesh

     

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 12, 2010 at 10:30 AM

    Photo is good! I liked it..

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownMarch 12, 2010 at 10:33 AM

    Photo is too good! I loved it..
    Keep up good work

    Jay :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. LadyFiMarch 12, 2010 at 10:41 AM

    What lovely dramatic skies!

    ReplyDelete
  6. chitraMarch 12, 2010 at 10:54 AM

    Good picture!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMarch 12, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    oh what a lovely pictures..

    ReplyDelete
  8. Guy DMarch 12, 2010 at 1:14 PM

    Excellent shot Ann, I love that glow.

    All the best
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

    ReplyDelete
  9. RajeshMarch 12, 2010 at 1:18 PM

    Beautiful golden sunset.

    ReplyDelete
  10. jooMarch 12, 2010 at 2:44 PM

    It's fabulous photo Anu!
    Greetings from Poland:)

    ReplyDelete
  11. LauraMarch 12, 2010 at 7:14 PM

    Love the warm colors of the sky Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bindhu UnnyMarch 15, 2010 at 6:24 AM

    Good one, Anu. :)

    Haven't visited your blog (or anyone's) for a long time.

    ReplyDelete

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