Mulnayak: White colored idol of Bhagawan Adishvar in the Padmasana posture.

Tirth: It is on the high Khandgiri hill at distance of 6 Kilometers from Bhuvaneshvar. The nearest railway station of Bhuvaneshvar is a distance of 6 kilometers. The Khandgiri hill is about 40 meters high and the Udaygirihill is about 35 meters high. It is easy to ascend the hills. Bus services and private vehicles are available. Board and lodging provisions are there at the foot of the hills.

Art and architecture; Khandagiri-Tirthanakar   tirthanakar     cave no 3    Udaygiri:Parsvanath    cave1     art kharvel cave 10

Historicity: The history of this tirth is believed to belong to the times of Adishvar. The Vedic people called the people of this place, Anarya Karakandu; the king of this place was a disciple of Bhagawan Parshvanath. He was a staunch follower of the Jain religion. In olden times, this was called the Kalinga region. Many brave and strong Jain Kings ruled here. They inspired unbroken faith and devotion to the Jain religion Bhagawan Parshvanath often came here wandering about. There is a mention that the samavasarana of Bhagawan Mahavir was set up here. There are three other temples beside this. The inscription of the Elephant Cave here is regarded to the be oldest of all inscriptions. Some of the cave temples are stated to be from the time of Lord Mahavira and others from the time of emperor Kharvel Ist Century BC. The other caves are believed to be of 10^th Century. The Samosavaran of Bhagwan Mahavir was held here and hence it is known as atishay Kshetra as well, Among the cave temples, 'Alkapuri' Jaivijay; Rani cave, Ganesh Gufa; Swarg Gufa, Patal Gufa are woth seeing. There are total 113 Caves on these hills. It has archaeological significance. It is nearly 2300 years old. A number of inscriptions and artistic idols carved in the caves here are very fascinating and spectacular. The Udaygiri hill is just in front of the Khandgiri hill. The ancient idols in the caves of both these hills are hardly seen elsewhere.

Trust: Shri Khandigiri - Udaygiri Jain Digambar Siddhakshetra Karyalaya, Khandgiri, Bhuvanashver, Dist. : Puri, State : Orissa, India.