Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu visited the historic Udayagiri Caves in Bhubaneswar on Monday after returning from Puri.
Soon after returning from the pilgrim town where she witnessed Lora Jagannath’s Rath Yatra on Sunday, the President visited the group of Jaina caves located on the Uadayagiri hill in the state capital and spent some time there.
These caves are rare specimens of early Indian rock-cut architecture. The caves showcase a civilisational and cultural thread of about 1200 years starting 1st Century BC.
Associated with Kharvela, the great king who became a follower of Jainism, these caves are Odisha’s precious heritage. Ideals of Jainism like Ahimsa and austerity are integral to our millennia old yet vibrant culture.
Later, President Murmu interacted with the students of B.K. College of Arts and Crafts, and the Utkal University of Culture. She recalled her student days in Bhubaneswar and shared her experience while during her interaction with the students.
“Recalling that the area near Udayagiri was surrounded by dense forests, Murmu said infrastructures are gradually replacing the forest. Most of the forests are out of the map, she said, underlining the need to preserve these and keep the nature safe.”
The President also recalled how saints used to live in Udayagiri and how she along with friends used to interact with them.
President Murmu also shared her thoughts on the beauty of arts at Udayagiri caves and said the rock inscriptions and the caves are the symbols of the uniqueness of Odia arts. The map of the cave exhibits the people’s rich skills in arts and it is necessary to preserve all these, she said.
President Murmu also received gifts from the students before leaving for Raj Bhavan in the capital city.
