Orissa located on the east coast of India is a mystical land where ancient heritage and modern today exist as one. A place known for awe inspiring monuments has thousands of temples, caves stupas. Even though Buddha not known to have visited this place, Buddhisn has been followed here right from the time of its inception. Scholars believe that today's Jajpur and its neighboring places are the sacred land of Mahayana sect of Buddhism. From 7th century to 15th century Buddhism flourished in this region. This is supported by the discovery of innumerable stupas, monasteries and antiquities of the period all over this place.
It is well known that after the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka by seeing the tremendous loss of life embraced Buddhism. This ancient place Kalinga is part of Orissa. After Kalinga War, he constituted the fifth province of the Mauryan Empire with it’s capital at Toshali (now known as Dhauli).
There are many Buddhist sites in Orrisa of which most famous are Udaygiri, Lalitgiri and Ratangiri. Udayagiri is a Buddhist complex with major stupas and monasteries. Even today here new Stupas are discovered. Lalitgiri is known to have Buddhist University in those days. There are various interesting structures here. Even Lalitgiri has ancient Stupas and monasteries.
Apart from these one can see Shanti Stupa and Rock Edicts of Ashoka at Dahuli. The recent findings from excavations at Padmapur, Banpur, Kuruma, Jaugada show spread of Orissa in the region. I have visited main sites here and will post more of them soon.
Lifetimes it would take to know India!
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That first stone sculpture is remarkable in its detail and the way it has survived the centuries. Your other shots are lovely, too. genie
ReplyDeleteVery informative. I didn't know about these temples.
ReplyDeleteNice informative post. Shall be looking forward to other pictures coming up here.
ReplyDeleteGreat to read your Post.Thanks.
ReplyDeleteold and beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteNice post on Buddhism in Odisha.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
What remarkable sculptures, I'd love to see them someday...
ReplyDeleteInteresting... I think u post on Udayagiri early too.
ReplyDeleteGood compo on pictures!
Beautiful carvings and monuments. India is an interesting country. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat tour, Rajesh. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and captures for the day, Rajesh! I always enjoy reading the fascinating history of your country!! Thanks for sharing! Have a good week!
ReplyDeletevery nice post.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately Hinduism drove Buddhism out of our country. But it is thriving predominantly in so many South East Asian countries !
ReplyDeleteIncredible old stonework and such history!
ReplyDeleteThat Buddha head is exquisite!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, I like that place, wonderful artistic catches. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, especially the first one!
ReplyDeleteLots to see! Hope there will be time for me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting and informative post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post and great shots. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team
ReplyDeleteOUTSTANDING, as always!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Fascinating. I've read that many scholars have concluded that Buddha was not a real person but perhaps a mythological creation comprised of a variety of "ideal" types.
ReplyDeleteSome scholars believe that about Jesus, too.
The buddha head is amazing ! Very interesting post !
ReplyDeleteSo ancient and dramatic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sculpture, with such lovely details.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carvings in this Holy place Rajesh. I had to Google to find out what a 'stupa' was...so that was a new thing for me to learn today (good for my aging brain!). Lovely posts.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI always admire the details of every sculpture you show.
ReplyDeleteRose, ABC Wednesday Team
Bautiful ancientplace!Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Rajesh, interesting sculptures.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for your interesting blog. The name, Ahoka sounds familiar to me. The reproduction of Ashoka pillar was presented by your country and it has been placed near Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Telmple.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
keiko
Amazing photos! Found you on ABC Wednesday :)
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting representation of the Buddha, both serene and strong.
ReplyDeleteStunning sculptures!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the appreciation. We will soon explore these places in more detail.
ReplyDeleteso beautiful - would love to visit!
ReplyDeletewish I could visit this place.
ReplyDeleteBTW, new follower of yours!
ABC Wednesday member
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Beautiful images. My visit to Orissa is long pending. will refer to your posts!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Born and brought up in Orissa, I have a soft corner for this temple city in my heart. Loved the pics.do enjoy the Oriya food while your stay there. Healthiest kind of food I have ever written
ReplyDeleteSeeing the serene face of Lord Buddha is always a delight for the eyes as well as the soul through the eyes.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about these temples. Thanks for sharing such significant information that we all should know...
ReplyDeletei am from orissa, and yes there is buddhism in the northern part. But if you should visit, ''Jirang'' there is a buddhist monastery and it is really good.
ReplyDeleteMy curiosity is why Buddhism failed in India while it flourished outside.
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