ORISSA.

01 :

KHANDGIRI - UDAIGIRI TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

6 kms from Bhuvneshwar on the west..

Covered with the dence forest in both sides of a narrow valley, there are two famous old hillocks which are very important as per historical point of view namely - Khandgiri and Udaigiri. About 200 caves are constructed on them from the era of Lord Mahaveer to 10th century A.D.

Khandgiri: There are strait ladders to climb up on the hill of about 46 Meter high. There are four temples on the mountain. One temple is about 200 years old. Thousands of fragments are lying behind it. There are eight Khandgasan colosics embossed in the cave of King Indrakeshari. 24 colosics of Tirthuankars are in Bhagwan Adinath cave. There is one more cave namely "Barah Bhuji cave". Many cave are for meditation. Akshy Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Shyam kund and Radha kund are behind the main temple.

Udaigiri: There are many caves in the middle of second hillock, 35 meter high name Udaigiri. On the gate of first Alkapuri cave, there are statues of elephants. Behind it, Rani cave has numerous internal caves. In patel cave there are several idols of different Tirthankaras.

The famous Hathi Gupta (Elephent cave) is important for its historical shilalekh. There is a description about the Kharvel's victory of kalingjin on Magadh emperor Pushyamitra. He and his queen had got built a huge temple here. Kharvel also arranged a conference of Digamber Jain ascetics.

02 :

PURI JAIN TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

62 kms from Bhuvaneshwar on seashore.

Puri is one of the important holy place of Hindus, and among 51 Shakti peethas. The main temple is covered with two tamparts of the fort called 'NIJ-MANDIR'. The peak-point is 214 feet high and a Neel Chakra is well adorned on the crest. One feet Idol of Bhagwan Rishabhdeo is here on the south gate of the main temple. Most of the people believe that the statue of Jagannath is actually a Jain idol and the same was constructed by King Kharvel. Twelve Rath Yatras are arranged here every Year, out of which Rath Yatra of Aasad Shukla Dooj is most famous. It is attended by the thousands of people from all caorners of the country.

03 :

KONARK JAIN TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

85 kms from Puri.

In Konark the sun Temple, is one of the most stunning symbols of ancient Indian architecture, the crowning glory of Oriya temple art. Centuries of myth and legend shroud its past. Built in the 13th century, the entire temples was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, Pulled by seven horses. The 24 giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of the time. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousand of images including deities, the Surasundaris, heavenly damsels and dancers, and other scenes from courtly life.

04 :

BHUBNESHWAR JAIN TEMPLE.

LOCATION :

Well connected with road/rail and airways from all parts of country.

Many Jain Idols of 8th to 10th century can be seen in State Govt. repository. Maximum number of Hindu temples are available here out of these, Mukteswara, Rajrani and Lingraja temples are most famous. 44 Meter high top of Lingraja temple is fantastic.

In the old capital of Orissa viz. in Cuttak there is a temple dedicated to Bhagwan Chandra Prabhu where idols of 10th century are available. These idols were brought here from Khandiri. Jain Dharamshala is in Chowdhari Bazar.