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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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Jal Mahal, Jaipur


Think 'Lake Palace', and you think of Udaipur. However, not many know that Jaipur too has a lake palace - the Jal Mahal.



To know more about this simple, yet beautiful palace, click here to read my post on the Club Mahindra Blog

Tip: To make the most of your visit to Jal Mahal, contact Jal Tarang

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  1. MridulaSeptember 13, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Lovely picture and more so on Clay too. Do they let you visit the premises now? I heard it was on cards but not sure.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 13, 2012 at 11:20 AM

      Thanks Mridula! Apparently, they have started allowing people inside. I heard about it only after I came back, though, so couldnt go inside myself. the people i was with told me that it was closed to visitors :(

      Delete
  2. R Niranjan DasSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Beautiful post. Didnt know Jaipur too had a lake palace.


    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/09/belum-caves-deep-down-under.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 15, 2012 at 1:38 PM

      Thanks Niranjan!!! I didnt know that either... or else would have tried to go in!

      Delete
  3. IndraniSeptember 13, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Yes, a nice view.
    Hope to be there again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 15, 2012 at 1:44 PM

      Would love to read about the interiors of the palace if u visit again!

      Delete
  4. krishnaSeptember 15, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    beautiful... feast of eyes!!

    http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com/

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