- HubPages»
- Education and Science»
- History & Archaeology»
- History of Asia
Photo Feature: Jain Caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri
Udaygiri-Khandagiri is a group of caves which is very important in the view of archeology, religion and ancient history of India. The caves were carved for Jain monks in the reign of the famous Kaling Emperor Kharvel, who was a great patron of Jainism and a devote Jain. The caves were exclusively carved for the wandering Jain monks who occasionally resided here. This was a great place of meditation for Jain monks. The caves were carved in 2nd Century B.C.E.
The caves are situated on two hills near Bhubaneshwar, the Capital city of the state of Odisha, India. There are a total number of 33 caves.
Few years ago I got an opportunity to visit the cave with my cousins and uncle. I took a lot of photographs of the caves and the art sculpture in it.
A View of Udaygiri Caves
Hathigumpha: The Elephant Cave
Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) is the most important cave of the Udaygiri-Khandgiri as it has an inscription which is very useful to know many things about ancient India. The inscription is in Brahmi script and Magadhi language and written in 17 lines. The inscription gives many details of the incidents in the life of Emperor Kharvel, including his conflict with Greek invader Demetrius and the surrender of Pushyamitra Shung, the Emperor of Magadh. The inscription starts with the ancient version of Namokar Mantra of Jainism. This is the oldest inscription where we find the word Bhaarat (the original name of India).
Hathigumpha
Rani Gumpha: The Queen’s Cave
This is one of the most important caves on Udaygiri Hill. This cave was carved on wish of Sinhpath, the queen of Emperor Kharvel.
This cave is two storied and has a big ground in front of it. The cave is carved in natural rock. There is a lot of sculpture carved on the walls of cells in this cave, which tells us about the life of the Emperor.
Ranigumpha
Baghgumpha (Tiger Cave)
Baghgumpha or Tiger Cave is a unique cave of Udaygiri. This cave looks like a tiger with opened mouth. The Architect of this cave has done his best by carving teeth, nose and eyes like a tiger. The cave has a small veranda and a meditation room. There is an inscription with the symbol of Swastik in it.
Baghgumpha
Sculpture in the Cave
There are many carved sculptures in the Rani Gumpha, i.e. the Queen's Cave. The sculptures are related to some historical events.
Here are tow photographs of such sculpture. In first photo, Emperor Kharvel and his Queen Sinhpath with others are bowing Jain ascetics. Second photograph is about a battle.
Jain Idols at Khandgiri Caves
In the caves of Khandgiri, there are many beautiful and ancient idols of Jain teertahnakars. The first photograph is a part of the panel of idols of 24 Jain Teerthankars with their symbols and their protector Goddesses.
The second photograph depicts idols of two Teerthankars.
A Tourist Place
As this place is very important for those who are interested in Ancient Indian history, archeology and Jainism, hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims visit it every year. below is a photograph of European tourists visiting this place.
© Article and Photographs copyright: jainismus Mahavir Sanglikar
Documentary on Udaigiri Khandgiri Jain Caves
Related Hubs
- Jain Art and Architecture: Jain Temples
Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of the world. There are many beautiful temples built in ancient and medieval period, in various parts of India. Here are some beautiful photographs of Jain temples which are important in view of architectu - Gomateshwara Statue at Shravanabelagola: A Wonder
There is a unique statue of Gomateshwar, also known as Bahubali (Armstrong), in southern state of Karnataka in India. The uniqueness of this statue is that this is the world's highest monolithic statue without external support. The statue is 17.6 Met - Jain Temples in the Forts
There are Jain temples inside many forts in India, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh - Local Tourism: Visiting Places in Your City
Visiting other cities and countries is an exiting thing. We mus travel wherever possible, but before it we should remember that there are many places to visit in our own city. - Miniature Paintings in Jain Manuscripts
The Jain miniature paintings are scattered in thousand of Jain manuscripts, which are preserved traditionally in Jain temples, Jain libraries and Jain Mutts. Further, there is a big collection of Jain manuscripts in British Library of London, with th - Live and Let Live Philosophy of Jainism
Live and Let Live symbol in Jainism teaches us tolerance and love. - Meditation: Origin, Practice and Benefits
This article discusses about the definition, origin and different aspects of meditation, it's individual and social benefits, non-religious views on meditation and related issues.