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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 - Sun and Snow

When we arrived at Narkanda, the sun was high in the sky, and really bright. I cursed it at first, because I could hardly click a decent photo with the sun in my eyes....




As it turned out, we were thankful for its presence that day, even though it stayed for just an hour or so. As we forgot ourselves playing in the snow, we only realized its disappearance once we were done, and futilely wished it back!

P.S. Narkanda is about 60 Km from Shimla and is a popular skiing destination.

The photo isn't as good as I hoped, but it happens to be a memorable one. For better photos of the skies from around the world, go to Skywatch Friday


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Comments

  1. R Niranjan DasJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    The rays look so piercing!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/01/old-goa-of-cathedrals-churches-chapels.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:09 PM

      Yes, they do, Niranjan! It was so bright, I had a hard time seeing anything at first!

      Delete
  2. Mahi KashyapJanuary 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Its really an outstanding click... Most beautiful day of the week...

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    A starburst of sun - how gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AsadJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Great picture. I wish to be there. I must say you have disturbed a basic of photography and that is don't shoot facing light because its not that easy. But you have done well here.

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:11 PM

      Thanks so much, Asad!!It was simply a fluke! have tried to get such an image earlier, but never managed! even this time, the image could have been much better with a bit better knowledge of photography!

      Delete
  5. NishaJanuary 11, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    It's so pleasing feeling to see the Sun on a snowy day..... that too this bright ! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJanuary 11, 2013 at 11:11 PM

      Yes, Nisha! that sun was a sight for sore eyes... about the only time we saw it as bright

      Delete
  6. TeamgsquareJanuary 11, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    Cool picture .

    ReplyDelete
  7. IndraniJanuary 11, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    Fantastic shot!

    ReplyDelete

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