Queen's Cave - 2nd Century BC

Beautiful two-story cave seen in the pic is at Udayagiri Caves.
Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves are spread over hills is situated 6 km from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
"Ranigumpha" Cave shown is most prominent among 33 caves located on two hills, and dates back to 2nd Century BC. This is also called as "Rani Ka Naur" or Queen's palace and extensive carvings & sculptures are found here.

Brahmi Inscription of 17 lines by Raja Kharavela, King of Kalinga was found in Hatimgumpha(elephant cave), which dates back to 2nd Century BC.
It is believed that, these caves were residential blocks for Jain monk during his regime.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udayagiri_and_Khandagiri_Caves
http://www.orissatourism.org/udayagiri-khandagiri-caves.html

Sun Chariot, Konark

018/366 Sun Chariot, Konark, Orissa

Introduction to Konark came via earlier 20 Rs note,
on which famous wheel was printed on light orange colored
(more accurately 'Kanakaambara' colored) note from my father when I was kid.
This could be true to most of you as well.

I had the oppurtunity to see this famous wheel, which is part of famous Sun Chariot in Sun Temple, Konark few years back.
This architectural beauty - Sun Temple is in the form of Sun Chariot.
This chariot sculpture has 7 horses in the front and 12 beautifully carved wheels.

It was constructed using Sand stone found by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.
Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna.
It is said that Samba was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father’s curse on him.
After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built the magnificent Konark Sun temple.

Different types of Sun's idols have been installed in all 4 directions.
The pyramidical roof soars over 30 m (98 ft) in height.
Now, main deity is not existing in this temple.
The temple complex also contains erotic sculptures similar to the temple in Khajuraho.
This famous Sun temple is now partly in ruins.

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konark_Sun_Temple

Parashurameshwara Temple, Bhubaneshwar

017/366 Parashurameshwara Temple is small yet extremely beautiful temple found in "Temple City of India", Bhubaneshwar.
This is one of the oldest temples found in this city and is fine example of Kalinga School of Architecture.

Carvings on outer wall contain beautiful of Mahisha Mardini. This temple is said to built in 650 AD.

Along with Lord Shiva one can also find the idols of Vishnu, Sun God, Yama and Mother Goddess.
This temple is lavishly decorated with floral motifs, human and animal figures.

Apart from this beauty, temple city boasts other famous temples like Lingaraja Temple(10-11th Century AD),
Mukteshwara Temple(7-8th century AD), Raja Rani Temple(1100 AD), Brahmeswara Temple(1050AD).

More info:
http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/bhubaneshwar/pr01.html