SHAILODBHAVA (Cave of)

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

Prince Shailodbhava (born of the mountain), establisher of a dynasty (note 1) ruling Kalinga (also: Kalingia N20°10': E084°25'), a kingdom in southern central Orissa, invented a bogus origin according to which he was not born like anybody simply from a plain mother but arrived in this world from an unspecified natural cave splitting open. CULTURAL HISTORY - Cave legend: A seventh century inscription records a typical 'origin story' to establish the dynasty's moral and political credentials. The legend asserts that Pulindasena, a ruler of Kalinga, had grown tired of ruling and prayed for a successor. His prayers were answered when a rock split open and a young man stepped out (JAIN 2004: 152 after KULKE & ROTHERMUND 1990: 132).Prince Shailodbhava (born of the mountain), establisher of a dynasty (note 1) ruling Kalinga (also: Kalingia N20°10': E084°25'), a kingdom in southern central Orissa, invented a bogus origin according to which he was not born like anybody simply from a plain mother but arrived in this world from an unspecified natural cave splitting open. CULTURAL HISTORY - Cave legend: A seventh century inscription records a typical 'origin story' to establish the dynasty's moral and political credentials. The legend asserts that Pulindasena, a ruler of Kalinga, had grown tired of ruling and prayed for a successor. His prayers were answered when a rock split open and a young man stepped out (JAIN 2004: 152 after KULKE & ROTHERMUND 1990: 132).