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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 - Jaigarh Fort

What a week it has been!!! And this Friday, looking at a weekend which promises to be even more busy, I am reminded of the Friday evening we spent at the Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. Here is a view from the fort....





On the right you can see the Amer Fort at the foothills and on the left the reservoir which provides water to the fort. and all around are the mighty Aravalli ranges. Is it any wonder that I wish I was there right now?

This is my entry for Skywatch Friday this week..... For more beautiful images from across the world, visit the Sky Watch Page.



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Comments

  1. UnknownJune 8, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Interesting place!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NishaJune 9, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    What a click, Anu! It captures the essence of Jaigarh.

    ReplyDelete
  3. R Niranjan DasJune 9, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Exceptional view. Well captured!!

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. MridulaJune 9, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    Lovely, I remember being there. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2012 at 10:38 AM

      Thanks Mridula!!! I remember reading your posts on Jaipur and wishing I could go there soon!!! and the opportunity landed up so unexpectedly!

      Delete
  5. IndraniJune 9, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    You get great views from there. Lovely pic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2012 at 9:21 PM

      Thanks, Indrani!!! the fort indeed has some amazing views! i couldnt stop clicking!

      Delete
  6. AshJune 9, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    oh wow! this is amazing

    ReplyDelete
  7. Samaresh BiswalJune 9, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    nice pic can u post some more pic of the fort

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2012 at 9:22 PM

      Thanks Samaresh!!! have loads of pics to post.. just no time to write a post around the :D will do as soon as i can!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJune 11, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Hello Anu.. How are you doing?? I love the new look on the blog.. Looks gorgeous.. :) Just to let you know.. that I have passed an award your way..
    http://coloursdekor.blogspot.sg/2012/06/weekly-story-wk-82.html

    I'm hoping you will accept it.. and pass it on too..

    Hope all else is well.. I love the pic of that fort... soooooooooo gorgeous!! Also, can you email me your postal address... please.. I got a postcard for you from Paris.. and now from Singapore.. Only problem.. I couldnt post it from destination coz I forgot to ask you for your postal address.. *smiles*.. forgetful me.. :-(

    You take care .. and keep blogging..

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anuradha ShankarJune 11, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    Thanks so much, Patty!! sending u a mail with my address.. cant wait to receive the cards!!!! and it really doesnt matter where you send it from! that you remembered to get me one and send it absolutely thrills me!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJune 12, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Hi Anuradha,

    I have recently started following your blog. It gives me a good read each day. I just love seeing all the new places and I also love your way of writing. Such a lovely blog you have. As my token of appreciation, i forward you a humble award. Kindly accept it by visiting http://supriyav.blogspot.in/2012/06/one-lovely-blog.html.

    Thanks dear

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ganpatipule beach ResortJune 12, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Hi, Amazing Arial view. Its a very nice snapshot of Jaigarh fort.
    http://disharesidency.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. ShilpaJune 13, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Wow ! That place looks so cool! Once we are back in India, your blog is going to one of my guiding lights for travelling around :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 14, 2012 at 10:07 AM

      Thanks so much, Shilpa! Will be glad to help out whenever u are back here!

      Delete
  13. mell simpsonJune 16, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    I suppose to be going here this summer so I was just searching to see what it is about. Thank you for sharing I think it would be great to spend the summer in Jaipur.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 18, 2012 at 9:12 AM

      Thanks Mell, but summer can get really really hot in Jaipur... it is in our desert state after all.. so please do take care!

      Delete
  14. AnonymousJune 25, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    stunning image anuradha ! your blog is great :) always wanted to visit rajasthan...on my wishlist

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 25, 2012 at 9:21 PM

      THanks Shruti!! just checked out your blog too... and must say you have visited some wonderful places too!!

      Delete

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