As compared to other Indian states, Odisha’s contribution to Buddhism is immense. As the ancient tale mentions, it’s said that the hair relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Utkala (Odisha’s ancient name) by two merchants named Bhallika and Tapassu. These traders then deposited the hair-relic in a Chaitya (Kesha Stupa) built by them. Interestingly, these two merchants were also the first disciples of Lord Buddha. And in the course of time, even the tooth and nail relics of Lord Buddha were bought to Odisha. That’s how the sacred Buddhist learnings initially entered the state.

As per the archaeological excavations, around 200 Buddhist sites are scattered across the length and breadth of Odisha, which date back from the 6th century BC to at least the 15th-16th centuries AD, with the 8th-10th centuries being the period when Buddhism actually prospered in the state.
As of today, the largest concentration of Buddhist remains in the state can be sighted in three sites namely Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, which is also popularly referred to as “The Diamond Triangle.” Not just these sites comprise of picturesque views, series of monasteries, temples, shrines, stupas, and beautiful sculptures of Buddhist images but also offer a visceral experience of the rich Buddhist heritage in the state.

Udayagiri(Sunrise Hill) is the one of the largest Buddhist sites in Odisha, and is easily accessible in the city of Bhubaneswar. Most importantly, it is situated in the basin of a U-shaped hill, and the remains comprise of a huge monastic complex, a brick Mahastupa, two brick monasteries, a massive shrine complex, a beautiful stone stepped well and various rock cut sculptures. Tourists can also spot ancient inscriptions embellished all over the picturesque stone-well and stunning rock-cut sculptures which adorn Udayagiri.

Next up, Lalitgiri is even a fantastic site to visit for its beautiful monasteries and stupas. Belonging to the 1st century, it is considered to one of the oldest of the three sites included in the ‘Diamond Triangle Tour.’ Lalitgiri is also sacred in terms that a massive stupa where a relic of Buddha was discovered – his teeth in the form of a bone inside a stone casket. While here, you can also visit the museum which houses several sculptures including the casket with Buddha’s relic.

The third site, Ratnagiri, is also one of the most important destinations of the Diamond Triangle wherein a large monastery, a giant stupa and several other Buddhist shrines have been excavated. As per the historians, Ratnagiri was established around the 5th century by the Gupta kings and the region flourished till the 13th century. Also, the most important monument here is the giant and beautiful mahastupawhich has been surrounded by several smaller stupas, and is believed to have been built around the 9th century.

One of the other Buddhist destinations in the state which is highly popular among the tourists and offers a spectacular view is the Dhauligiri. It’s nicely tucked in a hill range in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Being of a historic significance, it was here at Dhauli by the side of Daya River that emperor Ashok laid down the weapons of violence and accepted a life of Ahimsa (non-violence)in the form of Buddhism after the great Kalinga war.

Besides all these beautiful sites, Buddhist monuments are scattered throughout the state which are still awaiting further excavation and study. Cuttack, Sambalpur, Balasore, Ganjam and Phulbani are some places in the state, to name a few.

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To embark the place, a Shanti Stupa was developed by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh and Japan Buddha Sangh in 1972. At this place, people can find Lord Buddha edicts and the overall structure and layout of the Shanti Stupa is dome shaped. Tourists can even have a look at the Bodhi tree and Buddha footprints over the stone panels there. At the vicinity, there is a monastery as well, widely known to be as Saddharma Vihar monastery, widely preferred to be visited by the Buddhist devotees and others at a large scale. People can also spot a number of chaityas, stupas and pillars here. There is in fact a large array of edicts indicating King Ashoka’s intent spreading harmony, happiness, peace and contentment all around. His ultimate aim in life later becomes to serve and adopt mankind, as he took Buddhist teachings and principles deep into his heart. There is a rock cut elephant there that was known to be the earliest Buddhist sculpture in Odisha. The other attractions of the spot are Dhavaleshwar temple that has been renovated in 1972. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also recognized to be a place of mass gathering, especially at the time of Shiv Ratri.

Time to Visit:

Dhauli Giri Hills is open and could be visited all days in between 6 AM to 6 PM. Even, light and sound show held here and the timings of them are in between 6 PM to 6:45 PM, except on Mondays. There is no entrance fees needed to visit the same. For light and sound show, Rs. 10 will be charged with students and Rs. 25 with others.

In all, Dhauli Giri Hills in Bhubaneswar takes people and tourists from all around to check out the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. With both spiritual and religious beliefs, Buddhism has spread into different corners of the world. The dome shaped like structure of Shanti Stupa has five umbrellas and each one of them depict the five essential parts of Buddhism. Do make sure to visit the spot Dhauli Giri hills once in a lifetime with an open mind, and see the positivity and peace that it would lend in your life. The hills are surrounded overall with amazing serenity, landscapes, and a charm that will soothe down mind, body and soul in a remarkable way. Let Best Choice Holiday travel agent devise your trip to Dhauli Giri Hills this time and from onwards, you will not go to anyone else for the itinerary and your travel.

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