Why to visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
These caverns, which stretch back to the first century, show tangible proof of Jain aesthetics and understanding. More specifically, these caverns show epic palace scenes, royal parades, and mediaeval leisure through themes and engravings that are striking and remarkable in every respect, which is why it is one of Bhubaneshwar's most famous tourist attractions.
The most remarkable feature of these exquisitely sculpted caverns is that each cave and artwork was carefully carved by hand with simple equipment. The architecture is wonderful, as is the carving. The engravings included allusions to mythology and history. The representation of the Kalinga War, in which women and teenagers battle to preserve their homeland from Ashoka's troops, is one of the most moving sections of carving.
The Udayagiri caves' main attractions include :-
✓ Hathi Gumpha: King Kharavela's inscriptions may be found in Hathigumpha, or the Elephant Cave. The seventeen lines discuss his numerous conquests as well as his leadership style.
✓ Rani Gumpha: The Rani Gumpha, also known as the Queen Cave, is a two-story building with intricate carvings. Apart from the exquisite sculptures, the cave is recognised for its acoustic qualities.
✓ Ganesh Gumpha: The Ganesh Gumpha is a cave dedicated to Lord Ganesha, notable for its Jain teerthankar carvings and other sculptures. Much later, the carvings of Lord Ganesha and two elephants were added.
✓ VyagharaGumpha: The VyagharaGumpha, or Tiger Cave, is named after the entrance, which is formed like a tiger's head, and the door, which is shaped like a tiger's throat.
The Khandagiri caves' main attractions include :-
✓ Barabhuji Gumpha: The twelve-armed Sasana Devis face each other at Barabhuji Gumpha, which also has Tirthankar sculptures.
✓ Trushula Gumpha: The cave's walls are sculpted with the twenty-four Jain Teerthankars. The TirthankarRishab Dev sculpture stands out.
✓ Ambika Gumpha: Each Tirthankar's Yaksha and Yakshini are etched into the cave's walls.
