Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves — Windows to Ancient Odisha
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves (ଉଦୟଗିରି ଓ ଖଣ୍ଡଗିରି ଗୁମ୍ଫା) are a complex of 33 rock-cut caves (18 in Udayagiri and 15 in Khandagiri) located on twin hills near Bhubaneswar. Built in the 2nd century BCE during the reign of King Kharavela, they represent one of India's earliest examples of Jain rock-cut architecture.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 6 km from Bhubaneswar city center |
| Age | ~2,200 years (2nd century BCE) |
| Built By | King Kharavela of Kalinga |
| Religion | Jainism |
| Total Caves | 33 (18 Udayagiri + 15 Khandagiri) |
| ASI Status | Protected monument |
King Kharavela — The Builder
Kharavela (ଖାରବେଳ) was one of the greatest rulers of ancient Kalinga (Odisha):
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Chedi dynasty of Kalinga |
| Period | ~2nd century BCE |
| Capital | Kalinganagari (near modern Bhubaneswar) |
| Religion | Jainism |
| Legacy | Military conquests, patronage of arts, Jain caves |
He is described in inscriptions as a warrior, musician, and devout Jain.
"Kharavela was the emperor who made the mighty Magadha tremble — and his story is carved in stone at Udayagiri."
The Famous Hathigumpha Inscription
The Hathigumpha inscription (Elephant Cave inscription) is the most important historical document found here:
- ✦Written in Brahmi script and Magadhi Prakrit language
- ✦17 lines carved on the entrance brow of Hathigumpha cave
- ✦Chronicles Kharavela's year-by-year achievements (from age 15 to his reign)
- ✦Mentions his victory over the Magadha empire
- ✦Records construction of canals and roads
- ✦Describes his patronage of Jain monks
Key Revelations
- ✦The Kalinga kingdom was a major military power
- ✦Kharavela recovered a Jain idol taken by the Nanda dynasty
- ✦He organized massive cultural festivals
- ✦He built caves as retreats for Jain monks
Important Caves
Udayagiri Caves
| Cave | Name | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cave 1 | Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) | Double-storied, most ornate, dancer sculptures |
| Cave 3 | Chhota Hathi Gumpha | Small elephant guardian |
| Cave 4 | Alakapuri Gumpha | Beautifully carved |
| Cave 9 | Manchapuri Gumpha | Upper and lower stories |
| Cave 10 | Ganesh Gumpha | Elephant-headed arch, carved panels |
| Cave 12 | Bagh Gumpha (Tiger Cave) | Tiger-mouth entrance — most photographed |
| Cave 14 | Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) | Famous inscription of Kharavela |
Khandagiri Caves
| Cave | Name | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Cave 1-2 | Tatowa Gumpha | Parrot carvings |
| Cave 3 | Ananta Gumpha | Carved figures, women, elephants |
| Cave 7-8 | Navamuni Gumpha | Jain Tirthankara figures |
| Cave 9 | Ambika Gumpha | Jain Goddess Ambika sculpture |
Architectural Features
Cave Types
- ✦Residential cells — Simple, single-room caves for monks
- ✦Ceremonial halls — Larger caves with pillars
- ✦Double-storied — Like Rani Gumpha, with staircases
Carvings & Sculptures
The caves feature remarkable carvings depicting:
- ✦Royal court scenes — King with attendants
- ✦Dance performances — Women in graceful poses
- ✦Religious symbols — Jain Tirthankaras, stupas
- ✦Animals — Elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys
- ✦Nature — Trees, vines, lotus motifs
- ✦Daily life — Soldiers, musicians, common people
Bagh Gumpha (Tiger Cave)
The most iconic cave — its entrance is carved as the mouth of a tiger:
- ✦The jaws form the doorway
- ✦Carved in the natural rock contour
- ✦A masterpiece of ancient Indian rock art
- ✦One of the most photographed monuments in Odisha
Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave)
The largest and most elaborate cave:
- ✦Double-storied structure
- ✦Seven compartments on the ground floor
- ✦Nine on the upper floor
- ✦Exquisite carvings of dancers, musicians, and royal scenes
- ✦Possibly used for royal ceremonies
Jain Heritage
The caves served as residential retreats for Jain monks:
- ✦Used during the rainy season (chaturmas)
- ✦Simple cells for meditation and ascetic life
- ✦Evidence of prolonged Jain habitation
- ✦Later caves show Hindu influences as religion shifted
Visiting Information
Timings
- ✦Open: Sunrise to Sunset
- ✦Best Time: October to March (pleasant weather)
- ✦Duration: 2-3 hours for both hills
How to Reach
- ✦From Bhubaneswar railway station: 6 km by auto/taxi
- ✦From airport: 8 km
- ✦By bus: Multiple city buses available
- ✦Nearby: Lingaraj Temple (6 km), Dhauli (10 km)
Entry Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian | ₹25 |
| Foreign | ₹300 |
| Children (Under 15) | Free |
Tips
- ✦Wear comfortable shoes — lots of stone stairs
- ✦Carry water — no vendors on the hilltop
- ✦The sunset view from Khandagiri is spectacular
- ✦Hire a guide to understand the carvings better
Nearby Attractions
- ✦Lingaraj Temple — 11th century Shiva temple
- ✦Dhauli Shanti Stupa — Ashoka's peace pagoda
- ✦Nandankanan Zoo — Famous for white tigers
- ✦Odisha State Museum — Historical artifacts
Related: Konark Sun Temple • Kalinga War • Odisha History