Dhauli

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Dhauligiri, also known as Dhauli, is a hillside lying on the banks of the River Daya, is situated 8 km south of the state capital Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. Dhauli hill is presumed to be the area where the Kalinga War was fought. The Rock Edicts found here include Nos. I-X, XIV and two separate Kalinga Edicts. In Kalinga Edict VI, he expresses his concern for the "welfare of the whole world". The rock-cut elephant above the Edicts is the earliest Buddhist sculpture of Odisha. The stone elephant shows the animal's foreparts only, though it has a fine sense of form and movement.

Ashoka had a special weakness for Dhauli, where the battle was fought. The Daya river is said to have turned red with the blood of the many deceased after the battle, and enabled Ashoka to realize the magnitude of horror associated with war. He saw to it that Dhauli became an important centre of Buddhist activities. He built several chaityas, stupas and pillars there. Shoka got abodes excavated for the recluse, instructions inscribed for officials, expounded the main principles of dandaniti for the public, provided special status to his new kingdom including the stupas at Dhauli. Dhauli Giri Shanti Stupa, also known as Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist structure built jointly in 1972 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh. Situated on the opposite hill of Dhauli Giri, it was built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration.

This stupa as selected by Fujii guruji is a symbol of peace for the future generation to come. The ferocity with which the Kalingan people fought and laid down their lives for the freedom of their nation overwhelmed Emperor Ashok and he renounced war for ever and actively engaged himself in the spread of Buddhism. In a way, this event changed the course of world history and helped Buddhism spread far and wide. Reclining Buddha, an elephant procession, the bodhi tree and footprints of Buddha bearing the chakra (wheel) adorn the main stone panels. The Dhauligiri hills also has an ancient Shiva temple which is the place for mass gathering during Shiva Ratri Celebrations.


Travel Info:

Best time to visit: Oct-Apr

District: Khordha (Khurda)

Elevation: 93m

Open Time: 6Am-8Pm

Popular Cuisine: Hotels in Bhubaneswar

Attractions: Edicts,Peace Pagoda, Sleeping Buddha statue, Light and sound show in Dhaulagiri

Nearest Bus Stop: Bhubaneswar

Nearest Railway Station: Bhubabeswar Railway Station

Travel Options: Taxi, Bus, Train, Flight

Nearest town: Bhubaneswar

Distance from Bhubaneswar: 8 km

Average user rating

5 / 5

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