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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 - Reflections in Wayanad

Reflections on the Kabini River in Wayanad......






Be it the hard rock or the ephemeral cloud, both looked just as beautiful as reflections in the water. The stillness of the water accentuated their presence...just as each one of us has our place in this world.. a presence just as special, just as unique.... which is what makes life so interesting... even on the days when 
nothing seems to be happening!

The last week or so I haven't been able to write a word on the blog. Lots of things have been happening. Some good, some not so good. Today, sitting at my computer after a long time, thinking about what to write, to break the silence, these were the photos which captured my attention. Which is why, for Skywatch Friday today, you find me in a reflective mood! 

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  1. MridulaJune 28, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    Take care Anu and do keep writing. Life is I guess about good and not so good. I hope your good always remains more than not so good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 'TsukiJune 28, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Phenomenal view !

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bindhu UnnyJune 28, 2013 at 5:38 PM

    Nice! In the first photo, the water looks polluted. Is it so?

    Hope you come back to the writing mood soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJune 29, 2013 at 4:57 PM

      Thanks Bindhu! there was a bit of pollution in the water, but not too much.

      Delete
  4. TravelNinaJune 29, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Hi

    Amazing photograph!

    ReplyDelete
  5. ArtiJune 29, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    Love the reflections, Anu both in the water and in your mind. May the best of good always be with you, come back in full force soon :)

    I have been following all your wayanad posts and all of them have been truly enchanting, many thanks for sharing all the beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJuly 1, 2013 at 7:31 PM

      Thanks so much, Arti! I have missed a lot of your kerala posts. have loads to catch up.. but looking forward to it.

      Delete
  6. R Niranjan DasJune 29, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Nice shots!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.com/2013/06/elephanta-island-cave.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. Travel Lover AnuJuly 1, 2013 at 1:51 AM

    Hello Anuradha,
    Magnificent shot!!! I love this cloud combination with reflection in water. Its so nice. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Veneer Pressing MachineJuly 17, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    Nice captures.....

    ReplyDelete

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