"Udayagiri and Khandagiri rock cut caves" near Bhubaneswar, Odisha state: Why do they draw lots of tourists?

   Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves,Odisha somany
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 India is globally recognized not only for its grand temples of differen architectural  features  native  to the regions built in stone and brick, exemplifying architectural styles such as Dravida in the south, Vesara in south west and Nagara in the north and east, but also for its extraordinary rock-cut cave temples. These cave shrines are more numerous across India than in any other part of the world and span both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Created by carving into natural rock formations, these temples stand as enduring symbols of religious devotion, structural ingenuity, and artistic finesse. Unlike built structures, rock-cut temples are formed by removing large sections of rock, with the leftover portion forming columns, halls, sanctums, and other features of a temple. These structures reflect an advanced understanding of load distribution, precise planning, and extraordinary sculptural skills. Many cave temples date back  to first and  second CE.

Ganesha cave caves,Udayagiri hills. Odisha, en.wikipedia.org

Tiger (Bagha/Byaghra Gumpha) Udyagiri caves, Wikipedia org

Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, onelyplanet.com

 Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves,Odisha compass.
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Odisha in the eastern India and above  Andhra state, is  rich in heritage and  is home to the remarkable caves caves like Udayagiri and Khandagiri  are located near Bhubaneswar city. These caves, situated on adjacent hills, were primarily excavated during the reign of King Kharavela in the 1st century BCE and were intended to serve as dwellings for Jain monks. Udayagiri (meaning "Sunrise Hill") has 18 caves, while Khandagiri has 15, though inscriptions suggest that as many as 117 caves may have once existed. These caves are believed to have been excavated by royal patronage and monastic orders.

Udayagiri / khandangiri caves, wikipedia.org

Hathi Gumpha, Udayagiri caves, en.wikipediaorg

Ranigumpha (Cave 1) in Udayagiri is particularly impressive, being a double-storeyed monastery richly adorned with detailed carvings of court scenes, elephants, and dancers. Hathigumpha (Cave 14) contains the famous Hathigumpha inscription in Brahmi script, which records King Kharavela’s achievements and military campaigns. Ananta Cave (Cave 3) features carvings of athletes, women, and birds, reflecting a refined aesthetic sense.

Ganeshagumpha (Cave 10) is notable for its sculptural depiction of a royal procession and scenes involving elephants. Mancapuri cave inscription (upper storey) reveals that a Jain temple and cave were excavated under the patronage of Queen Agamahisi, wife of Kharavela, who is referred to as a chakravartin (universal monarch). The lower floor features seven doorways; the upper, nine pillars. Sculptures of dwarapalas (guards), floral motifs, monkeys, and Jain symbols decorate the interiors.

Today, under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, these caves remain a testament to Odisha’s Jain heritage and ancient rock-cut architectural brilliance. They are must-see sites for history and art enthusiasts. Post partly based on  the following post:

The inspiring Udayagiri and Khandagiri Cave temples of Odisha - built in First BCE Navrang India June 07, 2020

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udayagiri_and_Khandagiri_Caves

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/orissa/bhubaneswar/attractions/udayagiri-khandagiri-caves/a/poi-sig/1149913/356432_