Odisha’s heritage sites are now part of guided walking tours
When in Odisha, tourists can now take a walking tour of the state’s best historical and cultural sites. These guided tours were recently launched in order to help promote Odisha’s rich culture and history.
Odisha Walks is the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation’s new initiative and it will take visitors on a fascinating walking tour of the 10th century Mukteshwar, 11th century Lingaraj temple, Shanti Stupa, Khandagiri caves and Udayagiri caves.
These five guided tours fall on the already identified heritage circuits, and now with a guide giving proper information and history on these sites, visitors can learn about the rich architecture, rituals, culture and traditions that are all a part of these sites.
The sites:
10th century Mukteshwar temple
Mukteshwar Temple is what’s left of the 10th century Chandravanshi Dynasty of Kalinga. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a great example of 10th century stone architecture. The intricate carvings on the temple tells us tales of guarded secrets and mythical human forms. The temple is one of the best when it comes to temple architecture.
11th century Lingaraj temple
Another example of exquisite temple architecture is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple, one of the most prominent landmarks of Odisha. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, finds mention in the ancient scripture Brahma Purana. Lingaraj temple is one of the oldest temples in Odisha.
Shanti Stupa
You will find the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda on the site of the Kalinga War of 261 BC. Shanti Stupa is located in Dhauligiri, approximately 7 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. The stupa commemorates the change of heart of Emperor Asoka, and was built in 1973 by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.
Khandagiri caves
Khandagiri Caves are important Jain pilgrimage sites. These ancient caves once housed a number of Jain scholars. These caves are some of the finest examples of cave architecture. Built in the 2nd century BC by King Kharvela, these caves were handed over to Jain Sangha.
Udayagiri caves
Udayagiri Caves are also made for Jain scholars. There are a total of 18 caves in Udayagiri. King Kharvela, as his faith turned towards Jainism, decided to make these cave shelters for the travelling Jain scholars who didn’t halt in the same place for more than a day.