Rani Gumpha, Udaygiri

Rani Gumpha at Udaygiri is in the middle terrace of the eastern slope of Udayagiri Hillock. The cave is dated back to 1st century B.C. The cave is belongs to Kharavela of Mahameghavahana Chedi dynasty,  the Emperor of Kalinga. It is believed that the cave was occupied by the queen of Lalatendu Kesari.

It is a double storeyed rock-cut cave rectangular in plan covering three sides of a quadrangle, the forth on the south-eastern side is open. The upper storey is not immediately above the lower one but recedes a few meters away into the rocky mass.

The lower storey has 3 component, consists of two wing and the main wing, where the right and left wings meet the main wing are two small guard rooms. The upper storey also has same component except the guard room. 

The entrance arches are relieved with flowers, honey-suckle lotus and creepers of various designs. In the triangular portions above these arches are variously srivatsa, nandipada, snake and lotus- all auspicious Jaina symbols.

The facade of the cells are carved with sculptural friezes like women rescuing scene from wild elephant, deer, hunting scene, female dancing scene, couple offering flowers, royal procession, and the unique guard / door keeper of Greek style ornamentation adorned the cave.