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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 - Phantom Rock, Wayanad

For Skywatch today is an interesting natural sight – the Phantom Rock near Ambalavayal town in Wayanad, Kerala.



This natural, metamorphic rock resembles a skull, which brings about its name.


It is visible from quite a distance, which only enhances its popularity.


Locally, it is called ‘Cheengeri Mala’ or ‘Thalappara’, which means ‘stone head’.


For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page. 

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  1. R Niranjan DasJune 7, 2013 at 2:09 PM

    Have heard about this rock a lot. Yet to visit it. It looks so precariously placed there. Nice clicks!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/06/alibaug-beyond-beach.html

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:33 PM

      Thanks Niranjan. It is really placed precariously and its amazing to see it still standing like this!

      Delete
  2. MridulaJune 7, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    And I had not heard of it at all before today. They look majestic. catch up with your blog once i am back on the other side of June.

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    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 7, 2013 at 3:34 PM

      Thanks Mridula! it is really a majestic sight! and all the best for your trek! I look forward to your posts!

      Delete
  3. thomasJune 7, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    A majestic rock.

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  4. AnonymousJune 7, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    What a wonderfully moody rock! Great pics.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnuJune 7, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I've heard about Chengeri Mala / Thalapara, but never seen them. The picture of the rock against the sky is beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      Thanks Anu!! you should go see it someday! really beautiful place!

      Delete
  6. IndraniJune 8, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    There is a spooky place in Wayanad, could you visit it?

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 9, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      No Indrani, we couldnt visit that. I did hear of it, but our time went off in other pursuits :D

      Delete
  7. KusumJune 14, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Very interesting! There are so many unheard of places.

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    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 28, 2013 at 8:30 PM

      Thank you Kusum! there indeed are many such places across India!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJune 14, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. SudhageeJune 19, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Never heard of this, Anu. But then I don't really know much of Wayand. Nice captures all.

    ReplyDelete

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