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ASI Discovers 1,300-yr-old Buddhist Stupa in Odisha

                                                Sanchi Stupa - The Dome / Image Credit

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found a 1,300-year-old stupa in Odisha’s Jajpur district.There is possibility that the 4.5-metre tall stupa belongs to the 7th or 8th century.

The stupa was found at Khandolite mining site at Parabhadi in Sukhuapada hamlet in the district. Stones from the site were supplied for the beautification project around the famed 12th century AD Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Parabhadi is situated near Lalitagiri, a famous Buddhist site housing a large number of stupas and monasteries.

Another smaller stupa was completely destroyed due to mining at the site.

In ancient temple complexes in Odisha Khondalite stones were used on a large scale. The State government had made an ambitious plan to spend 3,208 crore under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme in three years to transform Puri into a world heritage city.

Stupas in Buddhism
Stupas or tumuli were over the divided ashes of the Buddha. These stupas were built by Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan emperor, in honour of the Buddha in many parts of India and Nepal. The stupa in Nepal is in its original form. Chief among the stupas built by the great emperor are those at Bharhut and Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.

Among the later stupas, those of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh and Nalanda in Bihar are very famous. 

Before the introduction of the Buddha’s images, wheel, an empty throne, footprints, pipal trees, stupas were the symbols used for his remembrance. 

Key Takeaways

  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found a 1,300-year-old stupa in Odisha’s Jajpur district.
  • The stupa was found at Khandolite mining site at Parabhadi in Sukhuapada hamlet in the Jajpur district. 
  • Stones from the site were supplied for the beautification project around the 12th Century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
  • In ancient temple complexes in Odisha, Khondalite stones were used on a large scale

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