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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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Memories of 2012 - Jammu and Vaishnodevi

From Jaipur, we headed out to Vaishnodevi...




It was meant to be a pilgrimage, and a pilgrimage it was, but it was also a trip so close to nature... thanks to the absence of the usual crowds.


This was Samhith's first long trek uphill, where he had no choice but to walk... and you can see how he enjoyed it!


Jammu was wonderful, but we were looking forward to the next leg of our journey....

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  1. Vishal RathodDecember 22, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Thanks ANU jee
    I remembered my yatra of Vaishno Devi.

    http://www.aboutomkaar.com/2012/09/vaishno-devi-hotel-helicopter-booking.html

    ReplyDelete

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