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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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Skywatch Friday - Mountains and Monuments



The best thing about Shimla is its colonial architecture, and the beautiful views of the surrounding Shivalik ranges and Himalayan peaks. Having just returned from a visit to the erstwhile summer capital of the country, I can't stop thinking of the beautiful views we woke up to, for a whole week. So, for Skywatch today is one such view... from the Mall at Shimla.

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  1. AartiJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Beautiful breathtaking view indeed

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  2. MridulaJanuary 4, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    And I can only imagine how this will look once it catches golden light! Lovely capture.

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:42 PM

      It was so beautiful, Mridula! I spent early mornings and late evenings just by the window in our room watching the play of light on the snow clad hills. unfortunately, i couldnt capture the beauty satisfactorily with my camera. need to learn how to :D

      Delete
  3. PoornaJanuary 4, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of Shimla. In spite of horrendous development, Shimla is still a charming place.

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Yes, Poorna. In spite of all the horrendous development, as you put it so well, Shimla is still charming! wonder how long it will last though if such 'development' continues..

      Delete
  4. UnknownJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:26 PM

    Fantastic ! - I REALLY want to travel through India one day!

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:43 PM

      Thanks!! I hope you can come and travel all through India soon!

      Delete
  5. eileeninmdJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:30 PM

    What a beautiful scene, I love the mountains! Thanks for sharing your skies! Happy Skywatching!

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  6. Vishal RathodJanuary 4, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Beautiful Picture

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  7. LorriJanuary 4, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Lovely capture of nature and architecture...the red really stands out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. R Niranjan DasJanuary 7, 2013 at 8:10 PM

    Lovely photo. Frame it!

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  9. ArunJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    Nice. Never saw snow peaks from the mall. Winter effect?

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:26 PM

      Thanks so much, Arun! yes, certainly it is the winter effect! plus unusually clear skies for the weather!

      Delete

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