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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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Gajanur Dam

Having had our fill of the Bhadra Reservoir, it was time to see the Tunga River in all her glory.





While trying to pass the time at Shimoga, we headed to Gajanur Dam on the Tunga. Photography was prohibited within the Dam premises, but once we were out, we were free to click away!




Gajanur Dam is located 12 Km from Shimoga.

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  1. S.. DivaNovember 11, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    I haven't been there but here's a trivia: Rajkumar and his sons made a Kannada movie on Gajanur. They are from that part :)

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    1. AnonymousNovember 15, 2012 at 11:06 AM

      @sneo- rajkumar is from gajnur which is in chamarajnagar district of Karnataka.,near Tamilnadu border..

      But this gajnur is in shimoga district.. this is different place,but have common name!!....
      There s elephant camp nearby this gajnur dam.. its must place to visit.. its within 15km from this place..
      ...... Dr.A

      Delete
    2. Anuradha ShankarNovember 16, 2012 at 12:55 PM

      Nice to see you here again, Sneha..

      Delete
    3. Anuradha ShankarNovember 16, 2012 at 12:56 PM

      Thanks Dr. A. I had no idea there were two gajanurs!

      Delete
  2. Sankara Subramanian CNovember 12, 2012 at 1:50 AM

    Looks like a nice place. Never visited it though even though i have passed by or stayed at Shimoga so many times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarNovember 16, 2012 at 12:57 PM

      Yes, it is, Sankara, and honestly, if we hadnt time to kill, I wouldnt have visited either :D

      Delete

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