When it comes to the concentration of Buddhist sites in Indian states, the eastern state of Odisha does not lag far behind the likes of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. With over two millennia of history in Buddhism, Odisha is what one would call a heaven of the Buddhist. Visit the below mentioned predominant places of Buddhist pilgrimage in the state in 2026.
Ratnagiri
The excavations at Ratnagiri have unearthed important Buddhist sites and artifacts including two large Buddhist monasteries, 10 meter high stupa surrounded by small votive stupas and a statue of Buddha. According to the Chinese monk and scholar Hieun Tsang who visited the site in the 7th century AD, Ratnagiri was an important entre of Buddhism. The Ratnagiri museum under the Archeological Survey of India is an invaluable introduction to the history of Buddhism in the area and the galleries have some interesting finds including sculptures found in the area.
Lalitgiri
The famous Buddhist site of Lalitgiri is the
treasure trove of extensive Buddhist remains dating from the 3rd century BC to
15th century AD. Several monastery ruins, statues of Buddhists deities
including Maitreya and Avalokitesvara and colossal image of Buddha are some of
the fascinating finds at Lalitgiri. The discovery of casket containing gold and
silver relics has further enhanced the sacredness of the site for the
Buddhists.
Udaigiri
Udaigiri, the third point of the Diamond Triangle
is home to two monastic establishments dating back to the 10th to 12th
centuries AD. Apart from the image of a twelve-armed seated Prajnaparamita,
trace of Buddhist Sakti cult has been found with the discovery of an
eight-armed statue of Marici.
Dhauli
On the way one can visit Dhauli Hill on the top of
which is the shining white-domed Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda). Dhauli is famous
for the 3rd century BC rock edicts erected by Ashoka, the great Mauryan
Emperor. It was at Dhauli that battle of Kalinga was fought by the Daya river
leading to the conquest of the former by Ashoka, who, overwhelmed by the
massacre of the people, decided to embrace Buddhism an event that took place
eight years after his coronation.
Langudi
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Situated in Jajpur district, Langudi hill is home to rock-cut Buddhist stupas and several Buddhist shrines. Important finds from this site includes images of Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor. The main attraction of Langudi is a set of 34 rock-cut stupas situated on the northern part of the hill.
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