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 ...
It is said that the best charity is giving food to the hungry and water to the thirsty. The latter is especially true in the hot summer months, when a parched throat can make life feel miserable, and nothing is more welcome than a glass of cool water. All over India, there are people who take this literally, and serve water on the roads in summer, free of cost. There are some who place earthen pots of water by the side of the road, under a shady tree and make sure it is re-filled, while others set up water coolers at public spaces.
While in Jaipur, at a temple we visited, a girl sat at a small window with a pot of water, patiently serving every thirsty soul.....
I also noticed these huts all over the place, especially near road intersections. It was only when I stopped to take a closer look that I realised that these were bamboo huts with an earthen pot of water inside. A person was in attendance, serving the people who came to quench their thirst, and re-filling the pot when necessary.
Interesting way of performing a service to those in need, wouldnt you agree?
I just wonder who has organised and arranged these water huts all over the place. Unfortunately, my trip was too short for me to do any digging. If any of you have any further information, please do leave a comment and I will update the post accordingly.
Water is a first need in Summer so these people has a good job..
ReplyDeleteTrue, water is indeed the first need, but these people do a great job especially considering that all these are usually free.
Deleteduring hot summer month these people come as savior . in bangalore they distribute butter milk near temple .
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Samaresh! I have seen people distributing butter milk in temples in Chennai too..
Deleteதவிச்ச வாய்க்கு தண்ணீà®°் is the phrase in Tamizh( water for thirty mouth).
ReplyDeleteThis happens even in Hyderabad. I salute those organisations which take up this charity.
I also think, this is our tradition form those good old days, where in it was never denied.( like the choulteries for travellers of bygone decades).
Thanks for the phrase, Vetrimagal! thats what I was looking for! yes, there are such organisations all over the country, and they do an admirable job! and they rarely advertise themselves, so we know little about them.. surprising, but commendable in this era.. and those choultries were great places too.. clean, comfortable, and meant for rest... to those who needed it
DeleteThis is wonderful ! Charity begins at home !
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Deletesuch a great creation...will be most appreciated....
ReplyDelete