Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves: Explore the Ancient Jain Heritage of Odisha
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are partly natural and partly artificial caves that date back to the 1st century BCE, when they were carved out by the Jain monks under the patronage of King Kharavela. Udayagiri And Khandagiri caves are not only a testimony of the ancient Jain culture and art, but also a marvel of engineering and architecture.
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The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located on two adjacent hills, about 9 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. The name Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill" and Khandagiri means "Broken Hill". There are 18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 caves in Khandagiri, each with a different name and theme. The caves are decorated with various sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions, depicting the life and teachings of Jainism, as well as the history and achievements of King Kharavela and his dynasty.
Some of the most prominent and impressive caves are:• Hathi Gumpha: This is the largest and most important cave in Udayagiri, where you can see the famous Hathigumpha inscription, which is a 17-line rock-cut edict written in Brahmi script by King Kharavela. The inscription narrates the exploits and conquests of the king, as well as his patronage of Jainism and other religions. The cave also has a carved elephant at its entrance, hence the name Hathi Gumpha, which means "Elephant Cave".
• Rani Gumpha: This is the largest and most ornate cave in Udayagiri, which is a double-storeyed monastery with a spacious courtyard and a beautiful facade. The cave has several cells, pillars, windows, and doorways, as well as elaborate carvings of animals, humans, and divine beings. The cave also depicts scenes from Jain mythology and legends, such as the Chakravartin, the Tirthankaras, and the Samavasarana.
• Ananta Gumpha: This is one of the most popular caves in Udayagiri, which is also known as the "Snake Cave" because of the carvings of snakes on its arches. The cave has a single cell with a veranda, and a frieze of figures above the entrance. The cave also has sculptures of Jain deities, such as Parsvanatha, Padmavati, and Dharanendra.
• Ganesha Gumpha: This is one of the most interesting caves in Udayagiri, which is also known as the "Ganesha Cave" because of the carvings of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, on its walls. The cave has two cells with a common veranda, and a panel of carvings above the entrance. The cave also has sculptures of other Hindu deities, such as Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, and Lakshmi.
• Khandagiri Caves: These are the caves on the opposite hill of Udayagiri, which are less elaborate and more natural than the Udayagiri Caves. The Khandagiri Caves are mostly plain and simple, with some carvings of Jain symbols and motifs. Some of the notable caves in Khandagiri are Akshaya Gumpha, Barabhuji Gumpha, Navamuni Gumpha, and Tatowa Gumpha.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are open from 8 am to 5 pm every day, and the entry fee is Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners. You can also hire a guide or an audio guide to learn more about the history and significance of these caves. The best time to visit these caves is during the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and the hills are green.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to experience the ancient Jain heritage of Odisha. These caves are not only a treasure trove of art and culture, but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment. So, if you are planning a trip to Odisha, make sure to include these caves in your itinerary and explore the wonders of the past.
