Udaygiri Caves: The earliest traces of Jain rock-cut shelters
Revered for being the earliest traces of Jain rock-cut shelters, the Udaygiri Caves are located near Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh. The Great Emperor of the Gupta Empire, Chandragupta II, played a crucial role in revamping and reconstructing them. The Archaeological Survey of India currently protects this site, as it has become a prominent tourism hotspot. These caves are classical examples of intricate and exquisite Gupta art. In the Hathigumpha inscription, the site was referred to as Kumari Parvat.
Twenty different caves are located in the Udaygiri and Sunpura villages. The term Udaygiri means 'mountain of the sunrise.' The British engineer Alexander Cunningham numbered these caves from south to north during the 19th century. It is believed that these caves were constructed in the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
Following are the main tourist attractions of Udaygiri Caves:
Cave 1: Lauded for being one of the most important and exquisitely crafted caves in Udaygiri, only a substantial portion now remains. The portico and the roof of the cave are formed by the natural ledge of the rock. British art historians like Percy Brown called it one of the most graceful examples of Indian architecture.
Cave 2: Located at the centre among the reliefs and shrines, this cave features a plain entrance with traces of two pilasters. The rock-cut image of Skanda, the war god, is preserved inside. The broad square face of the idol reflects the style of 5th-century figural sculpture.
Cave 5: This cave depicts the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu rescuing Goddess Prithvi from the ocean, holding her on one of his tusks. In another carving, Lord Vishnu is shown reclining.
Cave 6: Featuring a T-shaped entrance, this cave is sometimes referred to as Shiva Linga, though evidence is lacking. The cave also contains a figure of seated Ganesha, with the sanctum positioned at the centre.
The Passage: Beginning from Cave 8, this passage is a distinctive feature of Udaygiri. The natural canyon in the rocks runs east to west. Several modifications and additions have been introduced, including sculptures of standing Vishnu, though many are now damaged.
Cave 20: Known for its exquisite Jain carvings, the cave also preserves remnants of a 6th-century Gupta temple.
Excursions from Udaygiri Caves: Tourists can explore other destinations in Madhya Pradesh such as Wardha (50 km), Bhopal (84 km), Indore (252 km), and Jhansi (317 km).
When to Visit:
The best time to visit the Udaygiri Caves is from July to March.
How to Visit:
Air: The nearest airport to Udaygiri is Bhopal, 60 km away.
Rail: The nearest major railway station is also in Bhopal, 60 km away.
Road: Regular buses are available from Bhopal, Sanchi, Gyaraspur, Udaypur, and Vidisha to reach the Udaygiri Caves.
