Sculptures of hunting in Rani Gumpha, Udayagiri Caves, near Bhubaneswar, India

Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves

The Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, are significant archaeological and religious sites representing early Jaina rock-cut architecture in eastern India. Here are some key points about these caves:

Location: The twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri are situated close to Bhubaneswar, with the National Highway No. 5 passing through their proximity. The hills were known by their ancient names, Kumari and Kumara parvatas.

Number of Caves: There are a total of 33 rock-cut caves on both hills, with 18 caves on Udayagiri and 15 on Khandagiri. The caves are primarily single-storied, but some are double-storied.

Purpose of Caves: The caves were excavated to serve as dwelling retreats for Jaina recluses. These caves, believed to be first excavated by King Kharavela of the Chedi/mahamedhavahana dynasty and his successors in the 1st century B.C., were used by Jain ascetics known for their self-mortification.

Architecture and Features: Most of the caves are dormitories, consisting of a row of cells that open to either the verandah or an open space. The cells were likely used by ascetics for residence. The doorways of the cells are adorned with pilasters, crowning animal figures, and arches decorated with flowers, creepers, and animal motifs.

Artistic Embellishments: The caves feature intricate sculptural and decorative art, including panels and friezes depicting popular legends, historical episodes, religious observances, and dancing performances. The artistic style in the Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves is considered to be an advancement compared to the work in Bharut and Sanchi of Madhyadesa.

Significant Caves: Ranigumpha and Swargapuri-Manchapuri caves are double-storied and among the largest. Ranigumpha, known as the queen’s palace, is an architectural marvel. Hathi Gumpha, though architecturally insignificant, holds historical importance due to an inscription by King Kharavela, detailing his expeditions and victories.

Archaeological Findings: The site has revealed remains of an apsidal structure atop Udayagiri, discovered in 1958. This structure is considered the earliest of its kind in eastern India.

Continued Worship: The Jain temple on the top of Khandagiri hill, constructed in the late 19th century, continues to be worshipped, preserving the tradition and continuity of the site.

Udayagiri

Udayagiri, an archaeologically important location in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Location: Udayagiri is situated about 6 km to the northwest of Vidisha, between the rivers Bes and Betwa.
Archaeological Significance: Udayagiri is known for its ancient rock-cut temples, with about 20 caves or rock-cut temples on an isolated sandstone hill. The site also contains traces of about 110 meters of ancient buildings.

   Cave Features: The caves at Udayagiri are mainly small chambers that enshrine idols or images of various divinities. Some of these caves contain inscriptions, both dated and undated, with historical importance.
    Influence of Religions: The site reflects the influence of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. The caves and other remains indicate that the site transitioned through the practices of these religions over time.
   Architectural Interest: Cave No. 1 is of considerable interest as it represents the earliest phase in the development of temple architecture in India. It features a small shrine and a simple porch in front.

    Brahmanical Origin: While Cave No. 1 is connected with Jainism, the remaining 18 caves are of Brahmanical origin. Caves 2 and 3 have sculptural remains, Cave 4 enshrines a lingam, and Cave 5 is remarkable for a colossal representation of Varaha Avatara, the third incarnation of Vishnu.

cave 5 udaygiri vidisha.

Dedication to Siva: A unique feature is an isolated mass of rock shaped like a hemispherical stupa with a square base, referred to as "Tawa cave." It is dedicated to Siva, a departure from the many caves dedicated to Vishnu or his incarnations in the region.

Jain Caves: Cave No. 20 on the northeastern top of the hill contains images of Jain Tirthankaras and an important Gupta period inscription. It is dedicated to the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha.

Historical Inscriptions: Caves 6 and 7 contain important historical inscriptions of the Gupta period. Cave No. 6, for example, bears an inscription of Chandragupta II.

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