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 Jain Monuments in Orissa, as compared to Buddhist monuments in Orissa, are few in number. However, the two sites in Orissa that are home to the Jain monuments make for a significant pilgrimage destination for the followers of Jainism. These Jain monuments in Orissa are also popular with tourists and historians looking for entertaining awe-inspiring moments or seeking answers to the age-old questions of origin and mortality.
The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri are the two pious sites where proof of Orissa's tryst with the transient religion exists in good shape. A mere 7 km from Bhubaneswar, you too can tour Khandagiri and Udayagiri, the only two prominent surviving historical monuments of Jainism in Orissa, on your tour to Bhubaneswar with Tourism of Orissa tour packages.
The rock cut caves at Khandagiri and Udayagiri date back to the 1st century BC when king Kharavela ruled the Kalinga Empire. Belonging to the Mahameghavahana dynasty, King Kharavela and his wife were patrons of art, religion and projects that lead to social welfare such as Orissa's water canal system.
These two-storied caves once functioned as monasteries for Jain monks and are now a tourist attraction for their architectural style, stunning sculptures and religious importance.
On your tour to the Jain monuments in Orissa, you can visit the 15 caves of Khandagiri (on the left) and 18 caves of Udayagiri (on the right). However, the most prominent caves that you ought to see on your tour Jain monuments in Orissa are the Hathi Gumpha, Rani Gumpha and Ganesha Gumpha.
Each cave in the Jain monument complex at Khandagiri and Udayagiri are similar in make - small, two-storied rock cut caves, some with verandas and others without. The elaborate images of Gods, humans, animals and birds tell tales of an ancient time when Orissa was a thriving cultural and commercial hub known by the name of Kalinga.
The Hathi Gumpha or the Elephant cave is famous for the rock inscriptions from the period of King Kharavela's rein. On your tour of Jain Monuments in Orissa, you too can see these pictorial inscriptions that tell of the King's military and personal exploits and the history of the royal city and its people through the images of elaborate dance and music performances, sports and social events.
The Rani Gumpha or the Queen's Cave is also replete with lively images that depict scenes from folklores, history, religion, and daily lives of the people. The separate courtyard attached to the two-storey cave is also an attraction at the Rani Gumpha in Udayagiri. The Ganesha Gumpha or Lord Ganesh's cave is another well-preserved Jain cave that you ought to visit on your tour of Jain Monuments in Orissa with Tourism of Orissa tour packages.
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