Udayagiri Caves

Udayagiri Caves are a group of 18 rock-cut Jain caves located on Udayagiri Hill near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, opposite Khandagiri Hill. Excavated during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty in the 2nd-1st century BCE, they served as retreats for Jain monks. Notable for Brahmi inscriptions, carved doorways and the famous Hathigumpha inscription, the caves are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and form a major heritage attraction near Bhubaneswar.

Visitors can explore 18 rock-cut caves spread across Udayagiri Hill, connected by steps and pathways. The caves are simple, small chambers with carved doorways, pillars and inscriptions, including the double-storied Rani Gumpha and the Hathigumpha with its Brahmi inscription. The hilltop offers views of Bhubaneswar and the adjacent Khandagiri Hill. The site is open-air, rocky and requires climbing steps to move between caves.

The Udayagiri Caves were excavated as Jain monastic retreats during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, dating to the 2nd-1st century BCE. The Hathigumpha inscription in Brahmi script records Kharavela's reign, conquests and patronage of Jainism. The 18 caves on Udayagiri Hill, along with 15 caves on adjacent Khandagiri Hill, represent one of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut architecture in eastern India and are protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The caves are an important Jain religious site, historically used by Jain monks for meditation and residence during the rainy season retreat. They exhibit early Brahmi inscriptions, Jain iconography and architectural elements that reflect ancient Odishan art and monastic traditions. The site remains significant for Jain pilgrimage and for understanding the cultural history of Kalinga.