Vardhaman Book on Jainism

Author(s): Jayshree Menon
Publisher: Bennete Coleman & Co Ltd

Page 11

The timeless caves of tranquility...
he Hathigumpha inscription of the Great Kalinga Emperor,
Kharvela of 1st century B.C., at Udaygiri, stands witness to the pre-Mauryan antiquity of Jainism in Orissa. Parsvanath preached at Khandagiri, says the Jain tradition
The twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar are honey combed with caves which once served as retreats of Jain Ascetics. These marvelous network of tunnels and cells are hewned out of coarse grained sandstone. Set in the tranquility of the secluded hills, the 18 caves of Udaygiri and 15 at Khandagiri, locally known as Gumphas, are magnificient specimens of rock-cut architecture. Some of them have lavishly sculptured friezes with pilasters, verandas and arches,
The largest and the most beautiful of the caves is the double storeyed Rani Gumpha carved with human figures, animals, flowers, arches and other motifs. Its pristine grandeur is evident even today. On the crest of Khandagiriis situated a modern Jain temple.
ORISSA
Commanding a unique position in the history of Eastern India, a visit to these caves is a must. They are situated at a distance of 8 km from the Railway Station and 4 km from the Airport at Bhubaneswar.
TOURISM
Come and follow the footprints of history.
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Government of Orissa Paryatan Bhavan, Bhubaneswar-751014, Orissa, India Ph: 0674-432177, 431896 Fax: 0674-430887
email ortour@dte.vsnl.net.in Website: http://www.orissa-tourism.com
rissa-The soul of India
cathexis
For more information contact : Tourist officer, Bhubaneswar: 5. Jaydev Marg, Bhubaneswar - 751 014. Tel 0674 - 431299. Chennai 42/18. Mount Road, (2nd Floor), Gee Gee Complex, Pin - 600002 Telefax 044-8534090 Calcutta: Utkal Bhavan, 55 Lenin Sarani. Pin: 700013, Tel: 033-2443653, New Delhi: Utkalika, B/4 Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Pin-110001 Telefax: 011-3364580