Bhubaneswar is known as a city of temples and the town of Puri for its majestic shrine of Lord Jagannath. Many may not have heard that Odisha has been a center of Buddhism and it dates back to the 1st century.
Buddhist monastery complex of the Vajrayan sect called Pashupagiri housed in Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. These three Buddhist destinations form the Diamond Triangle of Odisha.
The remains of the rich art, monasteries now nestles within the hills and greens of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. Less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the state capital Bhubaneswar, these places take you back in time and show the magnanimity and influence of Buddhism in the Kingdom of Kalinga and under emperor Ashoka.
Lalitagiri : The excavations at Lalitagiri have led to the discovery of the earliest Buddhist complex in the area which dates back to the 1st century AD. Buddhist attractions here include ruins of a large brick monastery, a number of votive stupas and a renovated stone stupa at the top of a small rugged sandstone hill. A museum that exhibits numerous Mahayana sculptures including colossal Buddha figures, huge Boddhisattva statues, statues of Tara, Jambhala and others. Some of the sculptures have brief inscriptions on them.
Ratnagiri : Excavations at Ratnagiri in the Birupa river valley in Jajpur district, have so far been the richest in terms of cultural treasures. There are two large monasteries, a big stupa and numerous votive stupas that indicate towards the powerful impact that Buddhism had in the times of the Gupta king Narasimha Gupta Baladitya (first half of the sixth century A.D.). Buddhism progressed in this region leaps and bounds till the 12th century AD.
Udayagiri : Excavation have unearthed remains of Buddhist brick monastery that perhaps flourished between the period of 7th and 12th century AD. Recently, it has also come to light that the ancient name of the monastery was Madhavpura Mahavira.
A good day trip on a winter morning to help take your mind and soul back in time. From the hustle and bustle of daily city life, you can be in the midst of nature and visualize the rich culture and heritage that India has to offer.
