Khandagiri Digambara Jain Temple, Odisha

Address

Khandagiri Digambara Jain Temple, Khandagiri – Chandaka Rd, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030

Deity

Tirthankara

Introduction

Location:

• Situated on Khandagiri Hill in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
• The temple is part of a complex of rock-cut Jain caves commissioned by King Kharavela in the 1st century BCE.

Historical Significance:

• According to local legends, the temple was built by King Kharavela during the 1st century BCE, though the current structure was constructed in the 19th century under the Maratha Empire.
• The temple complex is maintained by the Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha Digambara Jaina Tirthankara Committee.

Architectural Style:

• Built in Pidha style with Kalinga architecture.
• Features sandstone construction in Ashlar fashion with tri-anga bada (three-tiered structure) elevation.
• The temple complex includes a Vimana (square plan) and Jagamohana (rectangular plan), both with balustrade windows.

Temple Structure:

• The complex consists of three temples:
  • First Temple: Houses a black stone idol of Parshvanatha in a white marble hall.
  • Main Shrine: Displays a white marble idol of Mahavira along with other Jain idols.
  • Third Shrine: Contains five images of Jain tirthankaras.

Religious Importance:

• A significant site for the Digambara sect of Jainism.
• The Khandagiri caves and the temple are major Jain pilgrimage and religious practice centers.

Cultural and Architectural Heritage:

• The temple and caves are prime examples of ancient Jain architecture in Odisha.
• They reflect the religious, cultural, and artistic traditions of Jainism and are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Significance of the Caves:

• The rock-cut caves at Khandagiri Hill were commissioned by King Kharavela and are an important aspect of Odisha’s historical heritage.

Century/Period/Age

1st century BCE.

Managed By

Digambara Jaina Tirthankara Committee. – Odisha

Nearest Bus Station

Khandagiri

Nearest Railway Station

Bhubaneswar

Nearest Airport

Bhubaneswar Airport

lightuptemple