There are many amazing hidden caves in Odisha and they have their beautiful secrets. Odisha, the land of ancient temples and spectacular beaches also has hidden secrets in its rugged terrain. By this we are referring to the caves which are shrouded in mystery, both historical and spiritual.
These hidden caves in Odisha have lots of interesting tales to relate as they have been silent witnesses to the enigmatic past of Odisha, be it a place for the meditation of sages or a hideout of royal kings. These caves have many legends hidden within their walls.
The mystical ambience and intriguing history would attract any traveller eager to explore the mysterious tales of these caves.
1. Khandagiri (broken hill) and Udaygiri (sunrise hill) Caves
These caves near Bhubaneswar, are a living testimony of the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. Situated in the sand stone hills overlooking Bhubaneswar, they are a quiet and serene reminder of the life of sages, scholars and monks who lived here.
Built in the 2nd century by Emperor Kharavela of the Kalinga dynasty, these served as monasteries for Jain monks. The walls of the caves are filled with inscriptions and paintings which depict the life during those bygone years when every religion existed in harmony, be it Jainism, Buddhism or Hinduism.
The engravings found in the Rani Gumpha at Udaygiri and hathi gumpha (caves) at Khandagiri depict royal processions, celestial beings and animals and brahmi scripts describe the military conquests and achievements of King Kharvela respectively.
2. The Pandava Bhakara Caves
This is an old cave associated with mythological stories. This cave is located in the Chandaka forest, some 38 km away from Bhubaneswar. The name of this cave comes from the belief that the Pandavas had spent a few days in this cave during their exile. Traces of human habitation and artifact belonging to the stone age and copper age have been found which historians believe to have belonged to the Pandavas (Yudhisthira,Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva)
The hill where the caves are located is about 500 feet above the ground. These caves and a lake near the caves has been a tourist attraction. Mystics believe that the caves possess an ethereal energy which helps in deep meditation. The surrounding forests add to the mystique.
3. Gupteswar Caves
This cave is located about 55 km from Jeypore in Koraput district of Odisha. It is a sacred limestone cave with a naturally built stalagmites shaped like a Shiva linga which is about 2 mts high and is believed to be growing in size.
In order to reach this sacred cave ,devotees and visitors have to climb 200 stone steps lined with champak trees. The cave has a dense Sal forest on one side and the Kolab(Sabari) river on the other side.
4. Vikramkhol (Bikramkhol) Cave
This cave is situated some 35 km away from Jhasuguda in Odisha in a very inaccessible forest where ancient people survived on roots, fruits and animal meat. Around 4000 BC, they developed a script. The inscriptions and paintings of animals are found on the walls of the caves.
Holes are found on the walls and on the ground which may have been used for various purposes like hanging objects on the wall and threshing corn on the floor of the caves. Central Govt., and Odisha Tourism department has declared these caves as a tourist spot.
5. Balda Cave, Koraput
This cave is located on a hill surrounded by green forest about 66km from Koraput. The hill is a plateau which is so vast that 05 nos of football matches can be played at the same time. The other attraction is a beautiful pond at the foot of the hill. Donger Dei is the main deity of the local people.
Balda Maa Nageswari cave yatra is celebrated every year. A unique feature of this cave is a hole in the roof of the cave which can be seen from inside the cave. This is a popular tourist destination.
6. Gudahandi Hills, Caves and Waterfall
Thus is located in Ampani sanctuary of the Kalahandi district of Odisha. Famous for the pictographic paintings depicting hunting scenes, human figures and dancing scenes, done in red and black colors using natural dyes dating back to Mesolithic and Neolithic times, the three caves are called Gudahandi meaning pots of molasses because of its rounded shapes.
This place is one of the best tourist spots in Kalahandi. Other attractions are a rivulet named Behera and an old dam across the rivulet, which people believe is the work of Bhima, one of the Pandavas. There is also the Dokrichanchara waterfall nearby.
7. Nayakpada Cave, Boudh
This cave situated 10km from Boudh has association with ancient mythology. According to a story, during the reign of Emperor Sovan Dev of the Madala dynasty, the Javanese King, Raktavahu, attacked Puri famous for the Jagannath Temple. Apprehending damage to the idol, the King reportedly shifted the deities to Dhritipura under this territory.
There is a small temple of Lord Jagannath at the bottom of the hill. In addition to this, there are idols of Lord Parshuram, Radhakrishna and Ramsita also in these caves. Thus Naikpada cave is also known as Patali Srikshetra of Boudh. This place is declared as a tourist spot.
8. Badaghagras cave
This cave in Keonjhar district is famous because it is hidden behind the badaghagara waterfalls. It is accessible only during the dry season when the waters recede and is believed to have been a refuge of ascetics. The paintings and carvings on the wall speak of some unknown civilization.
Thus the secret caves hidden caves in Odisha are not just geological formations but contain narratives of Gods, kings ,warriors and monks. Whether used as places for meditation, worship or refuge they continue to create a sense of awe and inspiration for many adventurers and historians. Hence they offer thrilling off beat adventure filled with history and mythology.
