Bhubaneswar is the state capital of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), India. Utkal and Kalinga are two other names for Odisha. Bhubaneswar is known as the " Temple City of India " since it is home to over 1000 temples. There are many Kalingan temples here, which are a combination of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain heritage. Bhubaneswar is also known as " Ekamra Kshetra ". Although Bhubaneswar was formally founded in 1948, the origin of the modern city can be traced back to the 7th century BCE and earlier . On April 13, 1948 , the city’s foundation stone was laid by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru . The city is famous for its ancient rich heritage particularly its historic monumental temples . With Puri ( Jagannath Temple ) and Konark ( Sun temple ) it forms the “ Golden Triangle ” (‘ Swarna Tribhuja ’), one of eastern India’s most popular tourist destinations. ( Sun Temple, Konark ) ( Jagannath Temple, Puri ) Bhubaneswar replaced Cuttack as
Dhauli Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) is a well-known Buddhist heritage in India.
The place is well known for its famous rock edicts of Ashoka, an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty (from c. 268 to 232 BCE).
Dhauli is 7 kilometres south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India, on the banks of the Daya River.
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa (a white Peace Pagoda) was built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in 1972.
The Peace Pagoda is built on the top of the Dhauli Hills, near the river bank of the Daya River.
Ashoka converted to Buddhism:
Dhauli is the place where the famous battle was fought between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga army (Kalinga: historical name of Odisha), after which Ashoka converted to Buddhism.
According to popular legend the Daya River turned red due to blood spilled on it from the battlefield.
Even women and teenagers joined the battle to protect their motherland.
Emperor Ashoka won the war (c. 261 BCE), but the battle was so fierce and the bloodshed he witnessed changed his heart, and he transformed from Chanda Ashoka (war mongering Ashoka) to Dharma Ashoka (peace lover).
(Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Bhubaneswar)
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa contains four large idols of Lord Buddha in various poses, as well as stone slabs depicting scenes from Gautam Buddha's life.
(Idol of Lord Buddha, Dhauli Shanti Stupa)
Rock edicts of Ashoka
The different rock edicts, which are a living monument to Emperor Ashoka's change of heart, are another attraction of Dhauli Hills.
One of the State's earliest Buddhist sculptures is a rock-cut elephant positioned above the edicts.
(Rock cut elephant, Dhauli Shanti Stupa)
Light and Sound
The light and sound presentation depicting Ashoka's trials and tribulations is a must-see.
Kalinga Mahotsav
The Kalinga Mahotsav is a three-day festival in February that combines a blend of classical music, classical dance, and martial arts dance forms.
The Odisha Tourism Department is hosting the festival, which will showcase some of the country's most famous musicians, dancers, and prominent martial art dance forms.The festival is free to attend.
There is a Shiva temple right behind the Stupa.
How To Reach
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available to take you to the heritage site from Bhubaneswar.
To know more about Bhubaneswar transportation, please visit the site bhubaneswar48.blogspot.com.
(Idol of Lord Buddha, Dhauli Shanti Stupa)
Where to stay?
Bhubaneswar provides hotels and lodges for all segments of visitors. It is not difficult to find good budget hotels in Bhubaneswar. There are several places where you can stay. From Star Rated Hotels to OTDC Government Hotels. Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) is a Government of Odisha undertaking operating the largest chain of hotel popularly known as “Panthanivas” in the state of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar provides hotels and lodges for all segments of visitors. It is not difficult to find good budget hotels in Bhubaneswar. There are several places where you can stay. From Star Rated Hotels to OTDC Government Hotels. Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) is a Government of Odisha undertaking operating the largest chain of hotel popularly known as “Panthanivas” in the state of Odisha.
Lord Buddha and Jayadeva
Lord Buddha was described as one of Lord Vishnu's incarnations by Odisha's famous poet, Jayadeva, in the 12th century AD.
"Nindasi yajna-vidher ahaha shruti-jatam
Sadaya-hrdaya darsita-pasu-ghatham
Keshava dhruta-Buddha-sarira jaya jagadisa hare."
( From Dasavatara Stotra by Jayadeva)
Meaning:
Victory to Keshava, the lord of Universe,
Who assumed the form of Buddha,
Who found fault with fire sacrifices,
In which poor animals were sacrificed,
As prescribed in the Vedas due to his compassionate heart.
Other Buddhist Sites
Odisha has about 200 Buddhist sites. The Diamond Triangle, which includes Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri in Jajpur district, is one of Odisha's most renowned Buddhist destinations, located about 100 KM from Bhubaneswar.
(Ratnagiri)
Important links:
https://odisha.gov.in (Government of Odisha)
https://odishatourism.gov.in (Odisha Tourism)
https://bhubaneswarcuttackpolice.gov.in (Bhubaneshwar Police)
http://capitalhospital.nic.in/ (Capital Hospital)
https://bhubaneswar48.blogspot.com (Details about Bhubaneswar)
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS):
'Dial 112', a toll-free number for all emergency services including police, fire, ambulance,women, health and elderly persons.
References
- 'Temples of Orissa' by Dr. Prasanta Kumar Ray (Archeologist)
- https://odishatourism.gov.in (Odisha Tourism)
- https://odisha.gov.in (Government of Odisha)
- Wikipedia
Thank You.
ambikaray27@gmail.com
(Teacher and Blogger)
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