{"id":276,"date":"2019-01-31T10:55:26","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T05:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/?p=276"},"modified":"2019-01-31T00:20:22","modified_gmt":"2019-01-30T18:50:22","slug":"the-historic-rock-cut-udayagiri-and-khandagiri-caves-in-odisha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/odisha\/the-historic-rock-cut-udayagiri-and-khandagiri-caves-in-odisha\/","title":{"rendered":"The Historic Rock Cut Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you planning to do visit the historic rock cut hills in Odisha, famously known as Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves? Basically, Khandagiri and Udayagiri are two hills located near Bhubaneswar city in Odisha and the caves got its name from these hills. Both of them are historic and antique recognized from the ancient Indian culture and are hardly 150 to 200 meters apart. Being a integral part of Jain rock-cut temples, these caves are carved by the famous Jain monks and it is presumed that these are not only evidence of history and architecture but also known to be spreading compassion, kindness, love, and above all religious tolerance worldwide. Certainly been counted among wonders of the country, both caves belong to 1st century. The Jain monks who created them strived under tough and critical conditions to built Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the striking and intricate sculptures representing religious symbols, life, royalty, courts and processes of society. The sandstone caves are carved in a way depicting country\u2019s well known past. They were built at the time of King Kharavela ruling and he was known to be one of the best kind rulers of the time. The historian famously named as Stirling, brought the attention of public and tourists towards these caves and it is among one of the widely visited places in Bhubaneswar<\/a><\/span>, Odisha.<\/p>\n

Caves Available at Udayagiri:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The term \u2018Udayagiri\u2019 depicts for sunrise hill. In total, there are 18 caves present here. To know about each one of them, simply read on the following.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 1<\/strong> \u2013 Well known as \u2018The Rani Gumpha\u2019 or \u2018The Queens\u2019 cave, it is the largest majestic cave, which is a two storied monastery supported by the several columns and terraces. On the lower floor, there are 7 doors whereas on the upper floor, there are 9 doors for the entrance. The different sculptures of royal entourage, musical instruments and dancing women could be seen here. The cave is majorly used for all chant performance, theatre performance and so related to Samaja celebration. Even, a beautiful image of Surya chariot ride is also drawn here.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 2<\/strong> \u2013 Famously known as \u2018Bajaghara Gumpha\u2019, it has been backed with two large sized inner columns and front columns.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 3<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Chota Hathi Gumpha\u2019, it has elephants next to front door and is known to render comfort and peace to all.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 4<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Alkapuri Gumpha\u2019, it is double storied and is carved with elephant sculptures and other beautiful magical creatures, along with ornaments and treasures.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 5<\/strong> \u2013 Well acknowledged as \u2018Jaya Vijaya Gumpha\u2019, it is double storied and some columns in the cave are constructed and few of them are rock-cut.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 6<\/strong> \u2013 Well-known as \u2018Panasa Gumpha\u2019, it has two columns built and there is a sanctum carved with ochre art nearby the cave.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 7<\/strong> \u2013 Famous as \u2018Thakurani Gumpha\u2019, it is double storied, contained with carvings related to flying animals.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 8<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Patalapuri Gumpha\u2019, it is roughly cut. There are two columns available at the verandah of the cave and flying beings are carved into them.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 9<\/strong> \u2013 Well known as \u2018Mancapuri Gumpha\u2019, it is double storied with 4 columns in the lower floor. The cave is carved with many different kinds of comforting and peaceful inscriptions as well as sculptures.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 10<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Ganesha Gumpha\u2019, it is acknowledged for its carved stones. Available with low ceilings and a verandah, it is popular for its carved stones, and interesting inscriptions of people. There is also carving of famous Jain Tirthankara here.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 11<\/strong> \u2013 Popular as \u2018Jambesvara Gumpha\u2019, it has two door openings backed with one column, two pilasters and low ceiling. It is assumed that the cave belongs to the wife of Mahamade, named as Nakyia.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 12<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Vyaghra Gumpha\u2019, it is relatively a small unusual temple cave. It is supposed to be the cave of the town judge, Sabhuti. The entrance is shaped like the head of an animal.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 13<\/strong> \u2013 Reckoned as \u2018Sarpa Gumpha\u2019, it is also a small unusual cave.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 14<\/strong> \u2013 Famous as \u2018Hathi Gumpha\u2019, it is an elephant cave.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 15<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Dhanagraha Gumpha\u2019, it is carved with the sculpture of gate keeper.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 16<\/strong> \u2013 It is well acknowledged as \u2018Haridasa Gumpha\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 17<\/strong> \u2013 It is well known as \u2018Jagammath Gumpha\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 18<\/strong> \u2013 Famous as \u2018Rosai Gumpha\u2019, it is roughly cut small sized cave.<\/p>\n

Caves Available at Khandagiri:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At Khandagiri hill, there are about 14 caves available in total. These caves are supposed to be infringed by the local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 1<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Tatowa Gumpha\u2019, the entrance is intricately carved with the parrots and looks splendidly beautiful, guarded with 2 bulls and 2 lions.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 2<\/strong> \u2013 It is also reckoned to be as \u2018Tatowa Gumpha number 2.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 3<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Ananta Gumpha\u2019, it comprises sculptures of women, elephants and athletes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 4<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Tentuli Gumpha\u2019, the entrance of the cave is carved with portals.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 5<\/strong> \u2013 Famous as \u2018Khandagiri Gumpha\u2019, it is a double storied roughly cut cave.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 6<\/strong> \u2013 Popular as \u2018Dhyana Gumpha\u2019, it is also a roughly cut cave.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 7<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Navamuni Gumpha\u2019, the walls of the cave is carved with sculptures of Sasana Devis, Ganesha and Jain Thirthankar.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 8<\/strong> \u2013 Reckoned as \u2018Barabhuji Gumpha\u2019, the cave comprises rock cut footprints, carved with Jain Thirthankar and Sasana Devis. It is known to be providing solace representing different Hindu deities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 9<\/strong> \u2013 It is well known as \u2018Trusula Gumpha\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 10<\/strong> \u2013 It is famously known as \u2018Ambika Gumpha\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 11<\/strong> \u2013 Well acknowledged as \u2018Lalatendukesari Gumpha\u2019, the rear wall of the cave is carved with comforting Mahavira, Jain Thirthankar and Parsvanatha.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 12 and 13<\/strong> \u2013 The name of both these caves are still unknown.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Cave 14<\/strong> \u2013 Known as \u2018Ekadasi Gumpha\u2019, it is like a cell. All caves represent Digambara Jain postures, principles and their praying postures.<\/p>\n

How to Reach:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 By Air<\/span> \u2013 The closest airport to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves is Bhubaneswar airport, at an about 8 km distance away.<\/p>\n

\u2022 By Road<\/span> \u2013 Once you are in Bhubaneswar, tourists can opt for any means like private taxis or bus service to reach there.<\/p>\n

\u2022 By Rail<\/span> \u2013 Bhubaneswar railway station is at an about 10 km distance from the place, and from there, private cab or taxi services are available and could be opted.<\/p>\n

In a shell, both Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are open all round the year, right from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit the caves is in between October to March months. Though, tourists can visit anytime throughout the year. To enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of the place, there is an entrance fees that will be charged from tourists. For children below 15 years of age, no amount will be charged from them. For Indians, the entrance fee is Rs. 5 per person. Tourists from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Afghanistan or Bhutan, an entrance fee of Rs. 5 per person will be charged. For other countries, an entrance fee of Rs. 100 per person will be charged. Want to go for the historical and archaeological tour to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar, Odisha? Undoubtedly, these two hills are among the highly visited tourist spot in Eastern India. If you want to visit there, contact with Best Choice Holiday<\/a><\/span> travel agent for all information. Gear up for an adventurous tour<\/a><\/span> to Udayagiri and Khandagiri!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you planning to do visit the historic rock cut hills in Odisha, famously known as Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves? Basically, Khandagiri and Udayagiri are two hills located near Bhubaneswar city in Odisha and the caves got its name from these hills. Both of them are historic and antique recognized from the ancient Indian culture […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[155,3],"tags":[156,10,21],"class_list":["post-276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-odisha","tag-adventure-tour-odisha","tag-odisha-tour","tag-travel-odisha"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":280,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276\/revisions\/280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestchoiceholiday.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}