Ratnagiri, History of Buddhism in Odisha

Exploring the most religious and paramount Buddhist sculptures, especially around the hills of Odisha is gives you a true experience of peace of mind and soul that every Buddhism follower wants to visit. Yes, the famous place is Ratnagiri of Jajpur , one of the famous destinations in Buddhist Tour in Odisha. However, the history of Ratnagiri is also related to Gupta Dynasty. Talking more about Ratnagiri, it has been a historical and religious significance that make it an ideal destination to explore. The small yet religious town in Jajpur District is known for a huge monastery that relates to Mahayana Sect along with famous kings like Ashoka and others from Gupta Dynasty. Apart from its strong historical backgroung, Ratnagiri is also known for the flow of main rivers of Odisha known as Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa.

Along with enjoying the beauty of these major rivers of Odisha you can find wide range of different tourist attractions in and around Ratnagiri that keeps in account the places like Dhaulagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and many more. But mostly the highlight of all attractions are the Buddhist Circuit like monasteries, stupas and chaityas. In addition, Ratnagiri tourism is also known for Buddhism of Tantric cult that is popularly known as Vajrayana. According to Tibetan Buddhist texts the Kalchakrayana also flourishedsuggestively in this religious place.

Location of Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is in the Jajpur district of Odisha is situated 100 kms away from Bhubaneswar. The main attractions in the holy place are the crisscross of Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa. In addition, there are also some major attractions in and around Ratnagiri. Some of the famous attractions include:

Major Attractions of Ratnagiri

The StupasStupas : Stupas are the main attraction that is presented in a big variation portraying a glowingdemonstration of Buddhism in antediluvian India. Stupas are lit with fire they create a unique view. They definitelysymbolizethe beautiful and religious place as the only location with such enormous Stupas.

The Monasteries – Gateway to Divinity and Spiritualty The Monastries : Monasteries are the main attraction here that describe the glorious past of Ratnagiri in Odisha. The perfect instance of architectural wonder speaks all about the history of the segmentthat was moderatelyaffluent and also sociallywealthy in terms of Buddhism.

In & Around Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri-one of the picturesque places that come in Buddhist Circuit in Odisha (Orissa), is located in Jajpur district of Odisha (Orissa) at the distance of 100 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. In addition, Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa are different main rivers of Odisha that flow from all direction of the beautiful city. In addition, there are also a number of major tourist attractions in & around Ratnagiri in Odisha that include Dhaulagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and many more. Moreover, the majority of tourist attractions in and around Ratangiri are related to Buddhist Circuit. Some of the must see places in & around Ratnagiri include:

Places To Visit In Ratnagiri

Kalinga-Asoka War Memorial (Shanti Stupa) at Dhauligiri : Located in Dhauligiri Hills in Bhubaneswar, Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda is one of the picturesque places to visit. It has a historical significance as it is said that the famous Emperor Ashoka after Kalinga Bar laid down the weapons of violence and adapted a life of Ahimsa in the form of Buddhism. After hundreds of years, in the year of 1972, Shanti Stupa was built in association of Japan Buddha Sangh and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh. You will see an amazing atmosphere here during your Ratnagiri tour.

Rock Edicts of Asoka at Dhauligiri

The amazing and picturesque place was explored by Lt M. Kittoe in the year of 1837. Here, you will see eleven out of fourteen renowned Rock Edicts of Ashoka. Moreover, all the rock edicts are in scribed in Magadhi languages. In addition, Prakrita and the script are considered as of early Brahmi.

Puspagiri University-Seat of Buddhist Learning in Ancient India (2nd Century BC-10th Century AD)

It is also a must see place in & around Ratnagiri. The beautiful and amazing university campus was straggling over the 3 attached hills-Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. In addition, the structure hollow out here was older and larger than the modern Buddhist learning centres like Nalanda and Vikramashila. It is the most beautiful place where you will see the perfect picture of Buddhist Circuit.

Sacred Relic Casket at Odisha State Museum

The place is also a religious significance. Historians believe (even assume) that the Sacred Relic Casket unearthed from the Mahastupa of Buddhist Heritage site (Lalitgiri in Orissa) is of Lord Guatam Buddha. Today, the museum is under the Archaeological Survey of India at Odisha State Museum.

Tarapur

In & around Ratnagiri in Odisha, it is a must see place that is located in East Indian State of Orissa. The beautiful and scenic place possesses three stupas (Edicts) set up by the King Ashoka. The historical sculptures were found during unearthing program in Tarapur.

Deuli

Deuli Hills-the twin hill, are the most fascinating hills in & around Ratnagiri. The picturesque hills hold the biggest range of rock cut caves concentrated here. In addition, the ruins of marvellous stupa and various other laterite blocks, brickbats and pottery are found atop the Deuli Hill.

Kayama

The elephant shaped rock cut at the Kayama Hill attracts tourists who visit Ratnagiri Tours. Here, name of Tisa (Brother of King Ashoka) is inscribed on the rock cut bench that is in the north of the Kayama Elephant.

Radhanagar

It is another royal city in & around Ratnagiri that is well-planned and designed city attract tourists from all parts of the country and abroad. For tourists who come to visit Buddhist Circuit in Odisha. According to corroborative evidences that are found during unearthing in Radhanagar, it was the capital city of Tosali Kalinga’s Royal Headquarters for the period of Asokan Retro.

How to Reach Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is well-networked by air, rail and road transport. Its closest airport is Bhubaneswar, connected to all the major cities across India. The nearest Railway Station is Cuttack, 70 km from Ratnagiri and connected to major stations in the country. You may reach Ratnagiri by road from Cuttack through direct and regular buses running between the two spots.

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