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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 and Moonrise

During our recent trip to Shimla, we had a wonderful view of the hills from our room at the resort at Mashobra. We enjoyed watching the shadows lengthen over the hills and valleys, day after day, and on one of these days, were treated to this spectacular sunset... and moonrise!






I simply sat by the window for the whole time, watching the deep red spread all over the mountains.... the bright full moon emerge slowly from behind the clouds....




What an experience it was! One I am going to treasure for the years to come!

For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page. 

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Comments

  1. LaloofahJanuary 18, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    Wow, beautiful skies and beautiful scenery - and that full moon just makes it perfect! Your last photo is really fantastic. I can't believe that's the view from a hotel window! And I can see why that sunset will be a treasured memory for a long time. Thank you for sharing it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MridulaJanuary 18, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    What a stunning picture, that last one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sylvia KJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:31 PM

    Awesome skies and superb captures, Anuradha!! The sunset is gorgeous and I do love the moon in your last shot! Such incredible beauty and certainly worth being treasured!! Thank you for sharing the beauty! Enjoy your weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. LizJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    Great captures. Happy sky watching.

    My sky.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:40 PM

    Wow, how beautiful! Especially the last photo. I really love it! Dropping in from North Carolina, happy skywatching!

    ReplyDelete
  6. RenukaJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:40 PM

    Nice pictures, exclusive!


    http://renuka-mytraveldiary.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  7. MaritesJanuary 20, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    gloriously beautiful! I'd probably be sitting for hours watching these too.

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJanuary 20, 2013 at 6:06 PM

    beautiful

    checkout this too

    http://olivedigmedia.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
  9. RitvaJanuary 20, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    Love the lat shot!

    ReplyDelete
  10. R Niranjan DasJanuary 23, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    Brilliant sky. You have captured it well.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  11. SteffiJanuary 25, 2013 at 12:38 AM

    Fantastic photos of skies!

    ReplyDelete

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