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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 - Mysore Palace

Its been a month with no travel and no blogging either....And before I succumb to the travel itch, I keep reminding myself that I have lots yet to write about the last trip I took. Here is a glimpse of what comes next on the blog............


Mysore!!!



This was my first trip to the heritage city, and I loved the palace so much, we went there again and again!!!! 



These photos, though, were clicked on my very first visit, within the span of a few minutes, as clouds gathered over the palace and then moved away as quickly as they came.... It made for a good photo-session, though!



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

  1. JimAugust 9, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    Great architecture.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RenukaAugust 9, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    Yeah, I also went there last year. I didn't find Mysore Palace very impressive...but your photographs are nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarAugust 10, 2013 at 12:57 PM

      Thanks Renuka. Actually, both, samhith and I enjoyed the palace. we took a leisurely tour first and then went again and again to see the lighting and just enjoy the place.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousAugust 9, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    How dramatic and gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  4. voyagetravellersdiary@gmail.comAugust 9, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Beautiful photographs Anuradha.

    ReplyDelete
  5. voyagetravellersdiary@gmail.comAugust 9, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    Beautiful Photographs Anuradha.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ErcotravelsAugust 10, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    Nice pictures. Mysore Palace is a great place to visit

    ReplyDelete
  7. SteffiAugust 10, 2013 at 7:27 PM

    Great photos and archidecture!Have a nice weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. R Niranjan DasAugust 10, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    Nice shots!

    http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. hrrindiaAugust 13, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    Beautiful place...
    White Rafting

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousAugust 13, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    I miss this city so much! Stayed here for a couple of years as a kid, and we went to the palace every weekend and yet never tired of it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. SudhageeAugust 23, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    I haven't been to Mysore yet. And am looking to travel virtually with you through your posts. I particularly liked the 3rd photo of the palace. It's a fantastic capture.

    ReplyDelete

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