Jain caves

Jain caves Review

About 8 km (5 mi) west of central Bhubaneswar are two twin granite hills, Khandagiri and Udayagiri, dotted with 33 rock-cut caves that were, in the 1st and 2nd century, converted and carved into accommodations for the ascetic members of a Jain monastery under the orders of the king of Kalinga, Kharvela. Kharvela did much to promote Jainism and details of his achievements are cataloged in the very famous Hathigumpha Inscription, found in the Hathigumpha (Elephant cave or Cave 14) in Udayagiri (it's written in Brahmi). There is excellent architecture at Khandagiri and Udaygiri, as well as carvings of everything from geese to athletes and elephants. Do especially see work in the Queen's Cave and the two-story Hathigumpha. Also here are remains of a hotel, lecture halls, prayer halls, and simple monks' lodgings (with rock cut beds that slope upwards to provide a pillow). Families of black-faced, fairly tame langurs rule these temples and are fascinating to watch. An India Tourism-trained guide would be handy to have along on a half-day excursion.