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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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Bracket Fungi

Monsoon is the season of life, and we see the growth of all kinds of life all around us..... Not even the dead or dying wood is spared, if you notice these bracket fungi growing on them.

This first one is growing on our pomegranate tree, and it is sad to think that the arrival of this fungus means that our tree has not much longer to live.... Of course, it had never been very healthy, not one of its small pomegranates growing into fruits ripe enough for us to taste. Meanwhile, we are making the most of this opportunity to learn about these forms of life too!


This one grew on a rotting log on the side of the road. I noticed it one day as I went by, and remembered to take my camera along the next day to take a picture. Thankfully, it was still there then, but was gone the very next day!


I remember my very first walk into a jungle and our guide pointing out these interestingly shaped things... I even remember bringing back a piece with me (which crumbled in a few days). I remember how thrilled I was then, to see something 'wild'!!! Imagine seeing the same thing in my garden now!!!!

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Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    Maybe too much of rains - The reason.
    Anyways, thanks for sharing. At-least someone is thinking about them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. chitraAugust 14, 2010 at 10:59 AM

    Never knew fungi spoils the tree.
    We call them 'Bebai sathuli' meaning frog's umbrella. The last picture is like a flower.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MridulaAugust 14, 2010 at 1:16 PM

    I always enjoy watching mushrooms that sprout everywhere in this season! Thanks for telling me more about them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. IndraniAugust 14, 2010 at 6:49 PM

    Some of them are edible, but of course don't try them. Some are known to be poisonous too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. RajeshAugust 14, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    Fantastic captures. As a kid I used to see these a lot. Now I do not see to get them much.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AswathiBabuAugust 16, 2010 at 9:53 AM

    Anu
    nice effort and thanks for sharing these pictures with us

    ReplyDelete
  7. subu.psAugust 16, 2010 at 11:12 AM

    Is fungii so dangerous to the tree?

    Very recently I enjoyed watching these spread completely over a tree. The trees image is posted here. http://subups.blogspot.com/2010/06/achenkovil-temple-in-paradise.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. jayasreeAugust 17, 2010 at 11:53 AM

    Didn't know these mushrooms could harm the trees...

    ReplyDelete
  9. UshaAugust 19, 2010 at 8:27 PM

    shows that your garden is growing 'wild' :D

    ReplyDelete

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