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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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Breaking the travel jinx

Cooped up at home for over 3 months, we were in dire need of a short break. Which is why, we made use of the Holi and Good Friday holidays to escape from the city. Our destination - one which has eluded us for years, which we have booked tickets to, twice, and had to cancel both times. We hoped to get, as they say, 'third time lucky', and we did, heading out to Coorg for a too-short vacation, just to break the jinx!




I have been back for two days, and the time has been spent recuperating from the trip - mountains of clothes to be washed, house to be cleaned, chores to be done...... and I haven't even been able to update my blog till now. Yet, amidst all this chaos is a peace which comes from the fact that I did manage to get out, for however short a trip.... This will probably last me for a few more days, till the travel pangs begin anew! Meanwhile, I am re-living the wonderful experiences we had.... of Samhith swimming in the Kaveri at Bhagamandala.....


Enjoying the thrill of adventure at Club Mahindra, Coorg....


Playing with the elephants at Dubare...



And, for me, the sheer beauty of the mountains, and the pleasure of seeing birds where least expected...


The trip was a short one, but I have loads to share.... Now, if only I could take a second break from the chores.... just to sit down and write! 

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Comments

  1. MridulaApril 3, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    I know so many things wait for you once you get back. But good to see that you and Samhaith enjoyed Coorg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarApril 3, 2013 at 1:44 PM

      Thanks Mridula! its only the thought of future trips that keeps us going!

      Delete
  2. R Niranjan DasApril 3, 2013 at 4:17 PM

    Nice images. Am sure your tales would flow out soon.

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/04/ruralscapes-of-india.html

    ReplyDelete
  3. SoulSpaceApril 3, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    lovely snap there of S in the water...

    heres to more travel for you and soon:)

    ReplyDelete

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