Navamuni Gumpha, Khandgiri

Navamuni Gumpha located on middle terrace of the Khandagiri Hillock of Orissa. It belongs to 1st century B.C.  during the period of Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty. 

The cave consists of pillared veranda with a single spacious chamber. The rock cut cave is known by this name as there are images of nine Tirthankaras in the cave.

The back wall preserves several sculptures of Sasanadevi with Ganesha and the  9 Jaina Tirthankaras.

Rishabhanatha Cave, Khandagiri

Rishabhanatha Gumpha located on Southern-eastern side of the Khandagiri Hillock of Orissa. It belongs to 1st century B.C.  during the period of Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty. 

Presently the cave has entirely collapsed except for the back wall of the cave.

On the back wall there are three reliefs images, two of Rishabhanatha and one of Amra carved at the top portion.

Tentuli Gumpha - I, Khandagiri

The rock cut cave, Tentuli Gumpha - I is located on middle terrace of the  Khandagiri Hillock of Orissa. It belongs to 1st century B.C.  during the period of  Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty. 

It consists of a single small dwelling cell with two entrances and a benched verandah with a simple pillar in the middle.

The cave is devoid of sculptural friezes except for the arched entrances with small carving of  two elephant seated back to back on either side of the arch.

The bracket supporting the pillar has beautiful carving of elephant.

Khandagiri

On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar at a distance of 6 kms there are two twin hills and one of them is Udayagiri and other is Khandagiri. 

There are about fifteen caves that are inhabited by Jain scholars and hermits during the ancient periods. They were built during the rule of King Kharavela of Chedi dynasty in 2nd century BC.

The crest of Khandagiri is 37.5 m high, 3.96 m higher than that of Udayagiri.  The prominent sites are:

• Lalatendu Kesari Gumpha
• Ananta Gumpha
• Tentuli Gumpha- I
• Navamuni Gumpha
• Rushabhanath Gumpha
• Jain Temple

These rock cut caves are exquisitely carved with beautiful sculptures.  We shall soon explore more of this place. 



The places of interest nearby are:

• Bhubaneshwar
• Udaygiri
• Cuttack