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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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Chembur Durga Puja

Eight days have gone by, and Navaratri is almost over. It's unbelievable how fast time flies, especially during festivals like this. The last few days have been so busy that I haven't been able to write, but I have more to write before I call an end to my Navaratri posts. Today, let me give you a glimpse of our Chembur Durga Puja.....



This is how we are greeted at the entrance, the dancing lights stopping us on the road, for a second glance!





This is no replica, but a temple made from the imagination of the artists.....



Inside, everything is eco-friendly... All the items used are bio-degradeable.... Take a look at what lovely decorations have been made with coir, reeds, shola wood, and similar items....








On the ceiling is a piece de resistance -  a chandelier, made of Shola wood, lighting up the decorations...






And here is what we are here for..... the tableau of deities....



As I stand before them, hands folded in prayer, Samhith's attention is drawn elsewhere - to the stalls outside, selling food. Of course, what he really wants is Rasgolla! We had planned to be here early, in time for the Bhog, but, we are too late. We have to settle for the stalls just beginning their sales, and he pulls me out of the pandal, intent on satisfying his stomach, rather than my spiritual satisfaction, but I give in, for this is what brings him here with me, year after year, for now!

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Comments

  1. P.N. SubramanianOctober 13, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Beautiful decorations. Oh that means there is a large Bengali population in Chembur.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      Yes, PNS. there is a sizeable Bengali population in and around Chembur. And they arrange for some really beautiful decorations each year!

      Delete
  2. Bindhu UnnyOctober 13, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    Very creative! And sensitive to create an ecofriendly pandal. Where is this? Chedda Nagar?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 13, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      No, Bindhu, this is near the Chembur Naka...on the ground near the municipal school

      Delete
  3. Wild ShutterOctober 15, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    Very nice being in Chembur never visited this place

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownOctober 15, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Thank you Anuradha Ji for creating such beautiful post on this magnificent puja mandap. I'd like to add one thing which you may not know that the LED lighting is based on a beautiful childhood Bengali poem "Palkir Gaan".

    ReplyDelete

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