History, Importance, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Udaigiri and Khandgiri caves, located at just seven km from Bhubaneshwar, capital of Odisha, popular as Kattaka Caves or Cuttack Caves are somewhat natural and artificial caves. It holds archaeological, historical and religious importance and in one of top tourist wish list near the Bhubaneshwar. The caves are located on the hills two adjacent hills Udaigiri and Khandgiri. Udaigiri has 18 Caves and Khandgiri has 15 Caves. These caves are finely and ornately carved dated back to second century BCE and believed as the residential blocks of Jain monks. It is said that these Caves were carved during the rule of great King Kharavela. Normally Jain monk didn’t stayed at one place and continuously travel around but King Kharavela reshapes the Kingdom of Kalinga as he rises leaning towards Jainism and built caves for Jain monks for stay during the monsoon. The Archaeological Survey of India has listed this cave in the list of “MUST SEE” Indian Heritage.
Rani Gumpha cave is the most important caves among all situated in Udaigiri hill which is double storeyed monastery. The other Caved are Hathi gumpha, Ananta gumpha, Ganesha gumpha, Jaya Vijaya gumpha, Mancapuri gumpha and Sarpa gumpha. The Caves are so small that a person can’t stand straight. The Rani Gumpha cave which is the largest cave is said that it was occupied by the Queen of Lalatendukesari. The Ganesha gumpha has the idol of Ganesha which is carved on the walls. The elephants are also carved on the Hathi gumpha. Bagha gampha is the smallest amongst all whose entrance is in the shape of the tiger with the upper jaw forming the root of the Verandah and the neck forming the entrance opening. The inscription is very finely carved on the walls of Hathi gumpha. The 17 lines of Jain Namokara Mantra is unscripted very well with the other small inscriptions. Swargapuri, Pavana Gumpha, Sarpa Gumpha, Chota Hathi Gumpha, Jaya Vijaya Cave, Ananta Cave, Barabhuji Gumpha, Trushula Gumpha, Ambika Gumpha are other important caves located on hill. The caves of Khandagiri are relatively simple rock cut caves with carving of twenty forth Tirthankar of Jainism.
The Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves are the most significant and a must visit place which have so many sculptures view, mesmerizing carved of the deities and the entrance carved in a unique fashion.
One of the supreme things about the caves is that it provides human to connect with soul in peaceful surrounding nature and get away from hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan culture.
Entry Fee – Rs. 25 per head for the Indians and the visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and Rs. 300 per head for the foreigners. Free Entry for children below 15 years.
How to reach Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
The Bhubaneshwar is very well connected with the major cities of the state Odisha. The availability of the state buses and the private buses is very easily acquired to reach here. The nearest Railway Station is in the city itself at a distance of 10kms. The nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at a distance of 11kms.
