~~ By VCSL Treasurer, Rameshbhai P Bharkhada and his wife, Jyotiben R Bharkhada.
( Part 2 of 3 – June 2009)

DAY 2

For our second day in Puri, we started our journey early in the morning and headed straight to Bhubaneshwar which is approximately 60 km from Puri. Our itinerary was heavily scheduled but was exciting as well. We planned to visit a White Peace Pagoda first followed by Lingraj Temple, Udayagri Caves, Khandagiri Temple, Kedargouri Temple, Sideswar Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Nandankanan (zoo), Konark Temple, Chanrabhaga Beach and finally back to hotel to admire majestic setting of sunset again!!!!!

Dhauligiri, Shanti Stupa, or Peace Pagoda

The Dhauli hill, approximately 8 kms from Bhubaneswar on the bank of the river Daya river, stands in mute testimony where Kalinga war, fought in the 3rd century BC and after the war the great wave of Buddhism started from here. The significance of Dhauli for Buddhists all over the world, led to the establishment of a shanti stupa, or peace pagoda on top of Dhauli hills by

the Kalinga Nippon - Buddha Sangha in 1972. Unusual feeling of spiritual tranquility was observed by both of us. It was like a traverse of path with utmost depth and peace which was soaring in the realm of a mystic Nature. We were left speechless.

Lingraj Temple

Lingraj Temple is one of the trilogies of golden triangle of Orissa. Again we hired a ‘pandit’ to escort inside temple to avoid unwanted harassment from local pujari’s. Like Jagannath Temple, camera or mobile phone are not allowed inside. I would have loved to have taken some photographs because the construction of this temple was spread over three dynasties (Somavamsi dynasty, Kesari dyanasty and Ganga dynasty). As it was noticeable how some feature of temple wereoverlooked by later construction.

We entered the temple through the main gate and first shrine we bowed was of Lord Ganesh and then there was Parvati Devi and finally you come to main chamber. This enclosed area has four features - a sanctuary, a dancing hall, an assembly hall and a hall of offerings.

When this temple was built, the Jagannath cult was widely spread. This is concluded by the fact, that the presiding deity, here, is the Svayambhu Linga - half Shiva, half Vishnu, a unique feature of the temple. Almost all the Hindu gods and goddesses are represented in this temple, mirroring the inherent element of harmony within the religion. After witnessing one the most spiritual place in Hindu religion, we head toward Udayagiri Caves and Khandagiri Temple.

Udayagiri Caves and Khandagiri Temple

There is one thing I must say that the roads in this part of country are pretty good and this certainly came to our advantage as we had to cover long distance between each sites. About 7 kms from Bhubaneshwar are the twin hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri. These are the fine specimens of Jain cave art built around 1st-2nd century BC.

Both Khandgiri and Udayagiri are vey close to each other. And as it was just gone past noon we were told that it will be very hot and tiring to climb the Khnadagiri Temple. Therefore we listened wisely and explored Udayagiri caves only.

From the entrance we saw a huge cave on left and straight ahead were other caves with paths disappearing in wilderness. We were offered a guide but I declined (which was a mistake). We headed straight to the top of hill to discover many small caves. We explored the area and admired striking beauty of each cave. On our path we meet some friendly monkeys waiting for opportunity to grab something to eat.

The Udayagiri site is excavated more recently, compared to the other sites on the hills. Udayagiri, along with Ratnagiri and Lalitagiri makes up the mini golden triangle of Orissa's amazing Buddhist legacy.

Also from top of hill we had beautiful view of Khnadagiri Temple. Please enjoy the photos below while we head for Nandankanan.

To be continued………………(in July 2009)