History has always been an integral part of our life. It shapes our present and keeps us connected to our roots. We all like to dig deep into our history and know about our past in several forms, be it our textbooks, culture, and heritage.
We have monuments that are splendid wonders of our heritage. They carry the sparkle of our rich past. Several heritage sites that we visit have a history to unfurl.
If you are a historian, researcher, travel enthusiast, or a vlogger, Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Odisha is a site you cannot skip.
Dhauli: The Peace Spot for solace seekers
As heavenly as the structure looks, the surrounding hills and the greenery encircling it add to the charm! The magnificent Dhauli stupa is the testimony that traces Odisha’s journey from its enlightening past to the present.
It is located about 8 km south of the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, atop the Dhauli hills. The famous Daya River flows in its vicinity and has its share in the unforgettable history of Kalinga. Weekends are the best times to relax and go on a long drive with your family and friends. Long drives up the hills make you feel even more ecstatic. So you should also plan a visit to Dhauli and experience the fun of driving through the peaceful roads that lead us to the Peace Pagoda!
It’s a delight for all the selfie freaks and the avid photographers, who would get umpteen spots to capture irresistibly beautiful snaps of nature.
A Heavenly Wonder
The serene-white structure is an architectural splendour that is mesmerizing to look at. However, it also reminds us of the battle of Kalinga that shook the kingdom centuries ago. Kalinga Nippon Sangha and the Odisha government’s collaboration brought the structure to existence to mark the infamous war. It took two years to complete, and the inauguration happened in 1972. It is also known as the ‘Peace’ Pagoda being the biggest proof of Ashoka’s historic journey toward peace.
The Pagoda looks like a creation from heaven, touching our hearts and representing the faith and beliefs of Buddhism in an artistic way through its detailed carvings. The dome-shaped monument consists of five umbrellas, each symbolizing five different aspects of the religion.
As you begin climbing up the stairs, you see the flea markets filled with beautiful artefacts and miniature statues of Buddha and several other items. Shopping becomes fun!
Your visit becomes even more fascinating as you discover the famous rock edicts containing the ancient inscriptions. They are written in the Brahmi script and beautifully depict the teachings of Ashok on non-violence, kindness, and compassion. We get a deep insight into the Mauryan King’s perspective of Dhamma.
We all have certain phases in our life that transform us either for good or for bad. The epic battle led Ashoka to be a man filled with compassion and kindness. The rock edicts reflect the Mauryan King’s epic journey from violence to Dharma. The emperor, once known for his treachery and tyranny, became a guide who led us all toward the good in the aftermath of the war.
Our hearts light up even more when we see Lord Buddha immersed in deep meditation. He has his eyes closed and rests in several yogic postures. Several incidents of his life carved on the stone slabs also draw our attention. People sit on the cool floors during the pleasant evenings and chitchat. Taking selfies with the Lord in the background is a sight there.
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One of the major highlights of the place is the Elephant rock-cut. Situated above the edicts, it is said to be one of the oldest sculptures in the state. The historians state that one of the rock edicts with the inscription of King Ashok, which says ‘welfare of the whole world’.
History That Speaks Of Blood and Tears
Dhauli Stupa is one of the most popular tourist attractions all across Odisha. Travel enthusiasts and historians are the prime visitors to the Pagoda. While the magnificent architecture is an integral attraction for all, it is the rich history that gives a vivid picture of a series of events that led to the existence of the Peace Pagoda. Several travel enthusiasts and historians are the prime visitors to the place.
Kalinga was once a horrific battleground soaked in the blood of the innocents. Those merciless killings stained the Daya River with blood streaming down from the surrounding hills.
However, the emperor’s dream to rule over Kalinga began to fade after his eyes witnessed the heart-wrenching scenes of the wounded soldiers profusely bleeding and dying.
There were cries of agony and blood spilled all over the battleground which left an everlasting impact upon the ruler’s heart. He vowed to leave the path of violence and adopt Dhamma, which means ‘to uphold’. He later started practicing Buddhism and led a peaceful life.
Interesting Things at Dhauli
Evenings are the best time to visit the place, as there will be a much-needed respite from the hot sun. You can also witness the light and sound show that has a huge craze.
So when are you planning to visit Dhauli Stupa? Drop your comment in the box below!
History has always been an integral part of our life. It shapes our present and keeps us connected to our roots. We all like to dig deep into our history and know about our past in several forms, be it our textbooks, culture, and heritage.
We have monuments that are splendid wonders of our heritage. They carry the sparkle of our rich past. Several heritage sites that we visit have a history to unfurl.
If you are a historian, researcher, travel enthusiast, or a vlogger, Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Odisha is a site you cannot skip.
Dhauli: The Peace Spot for solace seekers
As heavenly as the structure looks, the surrounding hills and the greenery encircling it add to the charm! The magnificent Dhauli stupa is the testimony that traces Odisha’s journey from its enlightening past to the present.
It is located about 8 km south of the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, atop the Dhauli hills. The famous Daya River flows in its vicinity and has its share in the unforgettable history of Kalinga. Weekends are the best times to relax and go on a long drive with your family and friends. Long drives up the hills make you feel even more ecstatic. So you should also plan a visit to Dhauli and experience the fun of driving through the peaceful roads that lead us to the Peace Pagoda!
It’s a delight for all the selfie freaks and the avid photographers, who would get umpteen spots to capture irresistibly beautiful snaps of nature.
A Heavenly Wonder
The serene-white structure is an architectural splendour that is mesmerizing to look at. However, it also reminds us of the battle of Kalinga that shook the kingdom centuries ago. Kalinga Nippon Sangha and the Odisha government’s collaboration brought the structure to existence to mark the infamous war. It took two years to complete, and the inauguration happened in 1972. It is also known as the ‘Peace’ Pagoda being the biggest proof of Ashoka’s historic journey toward peace.
The Pagoda looks like a creation from heaven, touching our hearts and representing the faith and beliefs of Buddhism in an artistic way through its detailed carvings. The dome-shaped monument consists of five umbrellas, each symbolizing five different aspects of the religion.
As you begin climbing up the stairs, you see the flea markets filled with beautiful artefacts and miniature statues of Buddha and several other items. Shopping becomes fun!
Your visit becomes even more fascinating as you discover the famous rock edicts containing the ancient inscriptions. They are written in the Brahmi script and beautifully depict the teachings of Ashok on non-violence, kindness, and compassion. We get a deep insight into the Mauryan King’s perspective of Dhamma.
We all have certain phases in our life that transform us either for good or for bad. The epic battle led Ashoka to be a man filled with compassion and kindness. The rock edicts reflect the Mauryan King’s epic journey from violence to Dharma. The emperor, once known for his treachery and tyranny, became a guide who led us all toward the good in the aftermath of the war.
Our hearts light up even more when we see Lord Buddha immersed in deep meditation. He has his eyes closed and rests in several yogic postures. Several incidents of his life carved on the stone slabs also draw our attention. People sit on the cool floors during the pleasant evenings and chitchat. Taking selfies with the Lord in the background is a sight there.
.
One of the major highlights of the place is the Elephant rock-cut. Situated above the edicts, it is said to be one of the oldest sculptures in the state. The historians state that one of the rock edicts with the inscription of King Ashok, which says ‘welfare of the whole world’.
History That Speaks Of Blood and Tears
Dhauli Stupa is one of the most popular tourist attractions all across Odisha. Travel enthusiasts and historians are the prime visitors to the Pagoda. While the magnificent architecture is an integral attraction for all, it is the rich history that gives a vivid picture of a series of events that led to the existence of the Peace Pagoda. Several travel enthusiasts and historians are the prime visitors to the place.
Kalinga was once a horrific battleground soaked in the blood of the innocents. Those merciless killings stained the Daya River with blood streaming down from the surrounding hills.
However, the emperor’s dream to rule over Kalinga began to fade after his eyes witnessed the heart-wrenching scenes of the wounded soldiers profusely bleeding and dying.
There were cries of agony and blood spilled all over the battleground which left an everlasting impact upon the ruler’s heart. He vowed to leave the path of violence and adopt Dhamma, which means ‘to uphold’. He later started practicing Buddhism and led a peaceful life.
Interesting Things at Dhauli
Evenings are the best time to visit the place, as there will be a much-needed respite from the hot sun. You can also witness the light and sound show that has a huge craze.
So when are you planning to visit Dhauli Stupa? Drop your comment in the box below!
