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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 - Nanded to Lonar

November brought us the Diwali vacation, and the most memorable trip so far this year. We set out for Nanded, starting with a visit to Aundha Nagnath and Parali Vaidyanath, two Jyotirling Shrines in the vicinity....



We spent Diwali at the Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan at Shegaon, where it was a calm and quiet Diwali, celebrated with beautiful Rangolis...



and people lighting lamps all over the complex... even the rooftops...


We wrapped up our tour with a visit to the Lonar Crater Lake..... I have still not been able to pen down my experiences, but this is one post you can look forward to reading soon in the new year!


And, as you read this post, I am on my final trip of the year.... a winter vacation at Shimla! I will be in the train when the new year dawns, and am hoping that the new year is full of travels too! Usually, I do not make new year resolutions, but this year I do have one - to catch up with my writing. To try and write as many posts as I can and share all my experiences with you! 

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  1. LeonidDecember 31, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Great info to have. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. DietmutDecember 31, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Happy New Year too!!!!

    http://dith-plukeenogenblikvandedag.blogspot.nl/2012/12/jouw-beschermengel-your-guardian-angel.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 2, 2013 at 3:55 PM

      Thanks Dietmut! and wish you a great year ahead too!!

      Delete

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