The Odisha, a state in eastern India, is home to several significant Buddhist sites that reflect the region’s historical and cultural connections to Buddhism.Â
These Buddhist sites in Odisha provide valuable insights into the spread and development of Buddhism in the region, showcasing the rich historical and cultural legacy of the state. They serve as important landmarks for scholars, historians, and tourists interested in the history and evolution of Buddhism in India.
Lalitagiri: One of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region, Lalitgiri is famous for its ancient stupas, monasteries, and artifacts dating back to the 1st century BCE. It is considered a significant center of Buddhism in ancient Odisha.
Udayagiri: A significant Buddhist site, Ratnagiri is renowned for its ancient monasteries, stupas, and sculptures dating back to the Mahayana and Vajrayana periods. The site is known for its rich archaeological finds, including intricately carved sculptures and Buddhist relics.
Ratnagiri: A significant Buddhist site, Ratnagiri is renowned for its ancient monasteries, stupas, and sculptures dating back to the Mahayana and Vajrayana periods. The site is known for its rich archaeological finds, including intricately carved sculptures and Buddhist relics.
Dhauligiri: Located near Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Giri is known for its ancient edicts and the famous Peace Pagoda, also known as the Shanti Stupa. This site is believed to be the place where the Kalinga War took place, after which Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism.
