Buddhism in odisha is as old as the religion itself . The Kalinga was in 261 B.C, the conversion of Ashoka and the visit of Hieun Tsang speak about the glorious state of Buddhism in Odisha. It was from here that Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka and far off countries in the South East Asia.
1. Ratnagiri _Latitagiri -Udayagiri -Langudi
Popularly known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha. Archaeological excavations at Ratnagiri- lalitagiri - Udayagiri , situated at a distance of about 5 mks from one another and 100 km from Bhubaneswar unearthed large monasteries, stupendous stupas and a wealth of terracotta seals. Just around the corner of these sites stand Langudi hill on the right bank of river Kelia. Excavations unearthed here a cluster of rock -cut votive stupas, two unique Buddha images and Panchadhyani Buddha with their female counterparts. The site of museum of the Archaeological Survey of India at ratnagiri houses over a thousand artefacts and sculptures. These provide a glimpse into the state of Buddhism in Odisha during 6th -7th century. Two inscribed images of a king found here are identified by some historian as those of Emperoe Ashoka.
2. DHAULI
It was here in 261 BC, Ashoka conquered Kalinga with his military might but then surrendered and became a devout Buddhist. It was here the Emperor Ashok engraved the rock edicts proclaiming his policy of good governance and righteousness for the benefit of his subjects by thus proclaiming his change of heart. As a remembrance to this epoch making event, a Peace Pagoda has been constructed here on the hill top by the Japanese Buddhists.
The other most important centre of Buuddhism are Kuruma and Chaurasi in Prachi valley, Banpur in Khordha district , Choudwar , Kurukulla, Lataharan in Cuttack district , Ayodha and Balasore in Balasore District , Jaugarh and Buddhakhol in Ganjam district , Boudh in Boudh district besides many other places in the state.
1. Ratnagiri _Latitagiri -Udayagiri -Langudi
Popularly known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha. Archaeological excavations at Ratnagiri- lalitagiri - Udayagiri , situated at a distance of about 5 mks from one another and 100 km from Bhubaneswar unearthed large monasteries, stupendous stupas and a wealth of terracotta seals. Just around the corner of these sites stand Langudi hill on the right bank of river Kelia. Excavations unearthed here a cluster of rock -cut votive stupas, two unique Buddha images and Panchadhyani Buddha with their female counterparts. The site of museum of the Archaeological Survey of India at ratnagiri houses over a thousand artefacts and sculptures. These provide a glimpse into the state of Buddhism in Odisha during 6th -7th century. Two inscribed images of a king found here are identified by some historian as those of Emperoe Ashoka.
2. DHAULI
It was here in 261 BC, Ashoka conquered Kalinga with his military might but then surrendered and became a devout Buddhist. It was here the Emperor Ashok engraved the rock edicts proclaiming his policy of good governance and righteousness for the benefit of his subjects by thus proclaiming his change of heart. As a remembrance to this epoch making event, a Peace Pagoda has been constructed here on the hill top by the Japanese Buddhists.
The other most important centre of Buuddhism are Kuruma and Chaurasi in Prachi valley, Banpur in Khordha district , Choudwar , Kurukulla, Lataharan in Cuttack district , Ayodha and Balasore in Balasore District , Jaugarh and Buddhakhol in Ganjam district , Boudh in Boudh district besides many other places in the state.
No comments:
Post a Comment