Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, previously referred to as Kataka Caves or Cuttack caves, are partly herbal and partially artificial caves of archaeological, historical and spiritual importance near the metropolis of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. The caves are situated on two adjacent hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri, noted as Kumari Parvata within the Hathigumpha inscription. They have some of finely and ornately carved caves built at some stage in 2^nd century BCE. It is thought that maximum of these caves had been carved out as residential blocks for Jaina priests during the reign of King Kharavela.

Udayagiri way "Sunrise Hill" and has 18 caves whilst Khandagiri has 15 caves. The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, referred to as lena inside the inscriptions, have been dug out typically all through the reign of Kharavela for the dwelling house of Jaina ascetics. The most critical of this institution is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery. Other important caves encompass Hathi gumpha, Ananta gumpha, Ganesha gumpha, Jaya Vijaya gumpha, Mancapuri gumpha, Bagha/ Byaghra/ Vyaghra gumpha and Sarpa gumpha.