Odisha: CEC Gyanesh Kumar visits Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves with family, says "these caves are symbols of our cultural heritage"
Bhubaneswar, December 29
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar visited Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in Odisha with his family. He said that these caves are symbols of the country's cultural heritage.
Speaking to reporters, Gyanesh Kumar said, "These caves are symbols of our cultural heritage. The way our architects made these 2000 years ago is still preserved even today. We had the fortune to visit these caves. We also came to know about Jainism. We came to Bhubaneswar and very happy to see these caves. We also visited Dhauli Shanti Stupa, from where the message of peace spreads in the entire world. We experienced how thousand years ago Samrat Ashok gave the message of peace."
On Saturday, CEC Gyanesh Kumar visited the Konark Sun Temple in Puri, Odisha, along with his wife, Anuradha Kumar, a retired IAS officer and praised the temple's architecture, calling it the country's honour and pride. He emphasised the temple as a marvel for its sculptures, mythology, and the scientific methods used in its construction.
He said that the architecture of the temple reflected how advanced the culture and science of India might have been many years ago.
Speaking with the reporters, he said, "This temple not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, but it also shows how advanced the culture and science of India were many years ago."
He added, "The area's sculptures, mythology and the scientific ways in which this sun temple was built, I get surprised, and the belief is also set in stone that Konark's temple is the country's honour and pride."
According to the Odisha government's official tourism website, the Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Odisha Temple Architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is a culmination of seven hundred years of grind in search of perfection. Built in the 12th Century AD by King Narasimha Deva I and dedicated to the Sun God, the Sun Temple at Konark continues to leave us spellbound with its massive structure, symmetry, precision and intricate detailing.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see the CEC highlighting these sites. However, I hope such visits translate into better preservation and promotion of these monuments. Many of our heritage sites suffer from neglect. The government needs to allocate more funds for maintenance and awareness.
As someone who visited Konark last year, I can completely relate to his awe. The scale and detail are mind-blowing. It's incredible to think it was built in the 12th century. India's ancient science and architecture were indeed far ahead of their time.
The connection he made from the Jain caves to Ashoka's message of peace at Dhauli is beautiful. Our history isn't just about kings and wars, but profound philosophies of non-violence and coexistence. This is the real "Indian culture" we should be proud of.
While I appreciate the sentiment, it feels a bit like a PR visit. The CEC's primary job is ensuring free and fair elections. I'd be happier seeing such detailed focus on that. Let's hope this cultural appreciation tour doesn't distract from his core duties.
Odisha is so underrated! From the Sun Temple to these ancient caves, the state has so much to offer. His visit might inspire more domestic tourism. Every Indian should try to visit these places at least once. Jai Jagannath! 🚩
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