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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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10 things you can look forward to reading….. Yes, I am back!!!!!!

Hi folks, I’m back!!!!! And with lots of material for more posts!!!! Those of you who have been looking forward to reading my posts, here is a glimpse of what you can expect to read in the coming days –


1. A little about the temples of Trivandrum – little, because cameras were not allowed, and I felt totally lost without my trusty Canon around, besides, the language was a major barrier between me and the priests…


2. A lot about the museum and zoo – mom and son totally freaked out for 2 ½ hours, while dad fumed in the auto……


3. Poovar – a heavenly island nested between the backwaters and the Arabian Sea… 4 days of total relaxation…..


4. Thekkady – 3 days of trying to keep Samhith amused – in what is now a bustling tourist hangout on the outskirts of a tiger reserve (where tigers are truly elusive)


5. Kalady – an unplanned visit to a beautiful temple – the birthplace of the foremost of the gurus of our age – Adi Shankaracharya


6. The consequences of the unplanned visit – a race against time – a real adventure in the midst of a staid holiday


7. Puttaparthi – Prashanti Nilayam– the abode of Sri Sathya Sai – something I have been planning to write for a while – hope I actually get it down this time.


8. Tirupati – surely the most crowded, the most visited and most popular of all religious destinations …. So not the usual boring details, but details of the pujas we performed… and information for those who would like to perform the same…….


9. Some temples around Tirupati – Note: some, not all….. just those that we visited this time…. And sorry again…. No photographs… wish our temple authorities wouldn’t separate me from my most trusted companion… one who gives me lots of information to share with you………


10. And finally, some assorted glimpses of my journey…… we have used up every mode of transport this time……..


Meanwhile, I am writing this in peace, because Samhith is out again, on another journey – this time with his dad and grandma, while I stay at home with grandpa, who is busy with work…. Now, they are off to Dwaraka and Somnath with some relatives visiting us, who have a major language problem……. Yes, you guessed right… they are from the southern heartland and can’t understand a word of Hindi…… And after all, it is fair isn’t it? Mom and son have had a wonderful 15 days… now it is just 4 days with grandma and dad!!!! But you know what, guys???? I’m already missing him!!!!!!!!!!

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Comments

  1. RajeshMay 25, 2009 at 12:28 PM

    Looking forward to your experiences on all the interesting places listed in your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 25, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    Oh I cant wait to read more now...

    I've been to Tirupati and its surrounding temples as a kid and vaguely remember anything. So cant wait to read more!!

    Also.. am extremely interested in Poovar... Sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 25, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Anu, you have literally gone all over Southern India. I m sure we will get some comprehensive experiences. Do keep me posted.

    ReplyDelete

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