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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 - Wish I was there......

Another weekend comes, and once again, I am stuck at home... So, for Skywatch this week, is a pic of where I would love to be....



This is somewhere in Jammu and the river winding its way amidst the mountains is either the Chenab or the Beas (don't remember which one). it was almost dry, but it was no less interesting. Samhith and I wished we could get down, and go to the river bed.. and yes, come back with some stones!!! Yes, I really wish I was there right now! Sigh!



To see some really beautiful pics of skies from around the world, go to Skywatch Friday.

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Comments

  1. MridulaFebruary 15, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Even I am at home I have not gone out for the entire month now :( Lovely pictures Anu I might travel to Kashmir sometime this year myself!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarFebruary 15, 2013 at 12:06 PM

      Thanks Mridula... but u did go to Alwar, didnt you? or was that last month? and wow!!! that will make this one great year then!!! annapurna as well as kashmir?

      Delete
  2. SteffiFebruary 15, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    Very beautiful photos for SWF!Thank you for it and have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. R Niranjan DasFebruary 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Lovely photos. Nothing can be more frustrating than sitting at home without travel.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarFebruary 16, 2013 at 11:45 AM

      Thanks Niranjan!!!! unfortunately, the bulk of the year is spent at home,without travel!

      Delete
  4. RenukaFebruary 15, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    Nice pictures...I really wish to be at such a place, soon!

    ReplyDelete
  5. IndraniFebruary 15, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    I too am itching to travel.
    Great shot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarFebruary 16, 2013 at 11:46 AM

      Thanks Indrani!!! wish we could just set off somewhere!

      Delete
  6. NatureFootstepFebruary 16, 2013 at 12:00 AM

    it is better to have dreams then not. :) Someday you will be back. :) It is a beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarFebruary 16, 2013 at 11:47 AM

      Absolutely, Nature Footstep!! its our dreams that take us places!!

      Delete
  7. UnknownFebruary 16, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    That was a wowiee!!! I sooo wanna go to this place

    ReplyDelete

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