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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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Durga Puja at Chembur

Over the last ten days, I have taken you along on a tour through the South Indian celebration of Navaratri in Mumbai. It is now time for something different. I usually try to take Samhith for the Ramleela as well as other Navaratra Pandals. Dandiya is something I havent been able to introduce him to, and that is mainly because I dont dance at all! However, if there is one celebration we manage to catch, it is the Bengali Durga Puja. Somehow, the image of Mahishasura Mardini seems to attract me each year, as do the decorations..... So, here is the Chembur Durga Puja this year......


We were welcomed at the gate by this huge replica of a temple - 



I read in the paper that it was built to resemble a south Indian temple, but I was more impressed by the way the temple had been decorated..... with straw baskets!!



All over were straw baskets - on the walls, they were the decorations....


On the ceiling, they were lamps and chandeliers!



As for the deity, she was as beautiful as ever! Thankfully, we were early and had the entire place to ourselves!



And yes, before I forget - we gorged on Bengali sweets before heading home!

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  1. ArtiOctober 8, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Such elaborate and beautiful decorations! I just visit the local Durga temple during Navratri and Dandiya raas is something that is avoided by me too..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anu ShankarOctober 9, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    ha! another similarity btw us!

    ReplyDelete

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