Khandagiri Caves

Khandagiri Caves are a group of 15 rock-cut Jain caves located on Khandagiri Hill in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, opposite the Udayagiri Hills. Excavated during the reign of King Kharavela in the 1st century BCE for Jain monks, the caves feature simple cells, carved doorways and inscriptions. The hilltop also houses a 18th-19th century Jain temple. The site is notable for its historical architecture, panoramic city views and religious importance.

Visitors can expect a twin-hill complex with 15 small rock-cut caves carved into sandstone, accessible via stone steps leading up Khandagiri Hill. The caves are simple monastic cells with carved doorways, some with inscriptions. At the summit is an active Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira and Parsvanatha. The hilltop offers panoramic views of Bhubaneswar and the adjacent Udayagiri Caves. The setting is open, rocky and exposed with stairways connecting cave levels.

The Khandagiri Caves were excavated in the 1st century BCE during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty as retreats for Jain monks. The 15 caves on Khandagiri Hill, along with 18 caves on adjacent Udayagiri Hill, form one of the earliest Jain rock-cut cave complexes in eastern India. The caves are simple single-celled dwellings with inscriptions in Brahmi script. The hilltop Jain temple was later added in the 18th-19th century.

The caves are an important Jain religious site associated with monastic asceticism and meditation. The hilltop temple remains an active place of worship for Jains, housing images of Mahavira and Parsvanatha. The site reflects the early spread of Jainism in Odisha and is valued for its religious architecture and inscriptions.