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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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Sky Watch Friday... River


Earth, Water, Mountain, Clouds.... how wonderful it looks......

This was taken from the train, as we were passing over the Krishna river, while returning from Tirupati. I am off again, this time to Hampi - a heritage tour as well as  a wildlife one, for I shall be staying at the Jungle Lodges and Resorts' Sloth Bear Resort. From there I will be heading over to Badami, trying to see as much of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakkal as I can, before heading over to Puttaparthi to bring in the new year...... Till then, have a wonderful time, and keep coming back, for the Tirupati posts aren't over yet!!!

For more skies around the world, go to SkyWatch Friday!



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  1. SridharanDecember 24, 2010 at 6:35 AM

    mmm..! Am I feeling a tinge of Jealousy in my heart..(lol!).. Hampi,Badami,Bear Resort- WOW, What an opportunity...and what a place to usher in the new year... How fortunate you are..! Sure, you will be busy with numerous blog posts of this visit the whole of Jan 2011..! Looking forward to them..!
    Have a great time Anu..! Happy new year..!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MridulaDecember 24, 2010 at 9:56 AM

    Have a wonderful time Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sylvia KDecember 24, 2010 at 9:56 AM

    Marvelous capture! Terrific, stormy looking clouds! Sounds as though you have a wonderful place from which to welcome the new year!! And wishing you a very Happy New Year! Look forward to more of your pics in the coming year!

    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  4. MridulaDecember 24, 2010 at 10:01 AM

    Have a wonderful trip Anu.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shrinidhi HandeDecember 24, 2010 at 10:46 AM

    I've seen people throw money into Krishna river from moving train... crazy people

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anuradha ShankarDecember 24, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    @Sridharan: Thanks a lot, and wish you a wonderful year ahead... Hope to come back with lots of posts!!!

    @Mridula: Thanks!!!

    @J Bar: Thanks a lot!

    @Sylvia: Thanks... It is a great place, one we visit every year! and wish you a wonderful year too...

    @Shrinidhi: we used to do it too, as kids... thankfully, we outgrew it... but Samhith heard me talk about it once, and wants to do it too.... it helps though, keeping him busy looking out for rivers!

    ReplyDelete
  7. P.N. SubramanianDecember 24, 2010 at 11:56 AM

    Wonderful scene. I first thought it some where in the Konkan coast. You will need plenty of time. Hampi itself will take a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    @PN Subramanian: thanks... I love rivers anywhere and cant resist taking photos! we spent just one day roaming around hampi and one day for Anegundi...have to go for a leisurely visit sometime when samhith's a little older


    @Bram: thanks a lot! wish u a happy new year and hope u had a wonderful time too!

    ReplyDelete

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