Udayagiri and khandagiri caves

4.4

Location: 7Q7M+2V7, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Near the city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India, formerly called Kattaka Caves or Cuttack caves, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, are partly natural and partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical, and religious importance. On two adjacent hills, the caves are situated, mentioned as Kumari Parvata in the Hathigumpha inscription. Ornately and finely carved caves were built during the 1st century BCE. For Jaina monks during the reign of King Kharavela, most of these caves are believed to be carved out as residential blocks. The meaning of Udayagiri is “Sunrise Hill” and while Khandagiri has 15 caves, It contains 18 caves. Mostly, during the realm of Kharavela, The caves, called Lena or leṇa in the inscriptions, were dug out for the abode of Jaina solitary. Ranigumpha in Udayagiri is the most important one of this group, which is a double-storeyed monastery. Including Ganesha Gumpha, JHathi Gumpha, Ananta Gumpha, Mancapuri Gumpha, Aya Vijaya Gumpha, Bagha Gumpha, and Sarpa Gumpha are some other important caves. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the “Must See” in a list of Indian heritage by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Attraction

The sculptures are carved by using simple basic tools and the architecture and carvings in these caves are beautiful. Basically from mythology and history, the carvings are taken. The illustration of the Kalinga war is one of the important carvings. The caves had water in a small canal that passed through every cave, a place to light the lamps, which served as restrooms for Jain monks. It is believed that the upper chambers were used for doing meditation in the double-storeyed caves.

History

B. M. Barua declared that a total of 117 caves were excavated by Kharavela and others on Kumari hill, based on a reading of line 14 of the Hathigumpha inscription.

B. M. Barua declared that a total of 117 caves were excavated by Kharavela and others on Kumari hill, based on a reading of line 14 of the Hathigumpha inscription. While M.M. Ganguli has enumerated only 27 caves, Marshall has counted more than 35 caves in both hills. The number of existing caves at Khandagiri has 15, while Udayagiri is 18.

Inside/Outside Views

An extensively carved cave elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes is Raninka Na’ara or Queen’s Palace Cave.

For their historically important sculptures and reliefs, Hathi Gumpha and Ganesha Gumpha are especially well known in Udaygiri. An extensively carved cave elaborately embellished with sculptural friezes is Raninka Na’ara or Queen’s Palace Cave. From its summit, a fine view back over Bhubaneswar is offered by Khandagiri. Carved figures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers are depicted in the Ananta Cave.

Opening Hours

Thursday 9 AM–6 PM
Friday 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday 9 AM–6 PM
Monday 9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–6 PM

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee needed.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is the closest airport in the city. One can easily get a taxi or cab from the station to reach the place.

By Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest railway station. To reach the destination one can hire a taxi or cab from the station.

By Road: Bhubaneshwar is very well connected to the other major cities through the roadway. There are available public and private transports from Bhubaneshwar city to the desired destination.