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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 - Kudle Beach, Gokarna

Gokarna has many beaches, each one looking more beautiful than the other. All are small ones and the smallest among them gets its name from the very fact - Kudle beach (the word Kudle comes from the local word for 'small'). The beach is surrounded by hillocks, and the view from the top is stunning...



To the left is Om Beach, and to the right is the main Gokarna Beach. Separating them are the mountains... or hillocks. To get to either beach, one has no choice other than take the long road around the hills or climb over them!



In fact, to get to both, Kudle, as well as Om Beach, one has to climb down the hill!! Vehicles only reach the road atop the hill, and then there are steps cut into the rock, which help us get to the beach. 



Kudle Beach was empty when we visited, since it was off season. We were told that during the peak season, there wouldnt be space to sit there! We, however, had all the time, and the space, and simply sat by the shore as Samhith happily collected shells! 

This is my entry for Skywatch today. For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page.

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Comments

  1. RamnathOctober 18, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Nice article..every tourist know only Om beach which is always crowded.. I this would be a great place to relax and have fun on beach. Thanks for sharing..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 18, 2013 at 2:59 PM

      Thank you, Ramnath. But even Om beach was empty while we were there. its mostly packed during the season, which is what we heard... and in any case, that is why i chose to go during off season. u cant see a place at its best, but u at least get to see it in peace!

      Delete
  2. MridulaOctober 18, 2013 at 2:49 PM

    The top two pictures with their green and blue look so alluring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 18, 2013 at 3:01 PM

      Thanks Mridula! they are truly beautiful, even more than they seem in my pics! it was great going there, but i wish i can go again.... and if u get a chance, do go there.

      Delete
  3. PradeepaOctober 18, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    Beautiful beach photos! Looks so serene.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 18, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      Thanks Pradeepa. It really was serene... since it was monsoon and the crowds were away!!

      Delete
  4. R Niranjan DasOctober 18, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    Nice shots. It is a lovely trek over the hills from one beach to another.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 18, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Thanks Niranjan.. unfortunately, I couldnt do the climb... maybe another time

      Delete
  5. RenukaOctober 18, 2013 at 11:59 PM

    Really a beautiful beach! I see so much of greenery around which makes it more inviting!

    http://renuka-voyagerforlife.blogspot.in/2013/10/thar-desert-safari-to-remember.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 19, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      Yes, Renuka. There is so much of greenery around, which just makes these beaches so much more alluring!

      Delete
  6. LauraOctober 19, 2013 at 4:48 AM

    beautiful views!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Neelima VallangiOctober 19, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Beautiful pictures Anu, beach looks so tempting without the crowd and with the greenery around. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 19, 2013 at 9:51 AM

      Thanka so much, Neelima. It is so good to see you here after so long... and yes, the greenery and the lack of crowd was certainly the best part of it! so glad I went at such a time!

      Delete
  8. P.N. SubramanianOctober 19, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    Beutiful Kundle! Western Coast has hundreds of beaches remaining where not many people go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarOctober 19, 2013 at 9:53 AM

      True PNS. but this is one of those beaches where apparently there is no place to stand during the peak season. It was like this only because it was afternoon, in the monsoon, and we were the only souls there.

      Delete
  9. AnonymousOctober 24, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    If some one wantѕ to be updateԁ
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    ReplyDelete
  10. rupeshOctober 26, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    nice pic and also writing with perfect content.thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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