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Dhauli Hill, one of the most visited Buddhist pilgrim
destinations in India, is situated in the state of
Orissa. It is located in the Khurda district, at a
distance of approximately 8 km from Bhubaneswar. The
hill represents the place where, after witnessing the
carnage of Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka relinquished war
and adopted Buddhism. Serving as a proof of this
renunciation are the edicts of the Emperor, which have
been preserved here.
It is in these edicts that he had asked his
administrators to rule with equality and compassion. One
of the major attractions of the Dhauli Hills is a Shanti
Stupa (Peace Pagoda). Situated on the opposite hill,
this stupa was built by the Indians, in collaboration
with the Japanese. It is circular edifice, which is
adorned with a mushroom-like dome on top. Of the
numerous stone panels in the stupa, the main panel is
the one that has the reclining Buddha.
Along with Lord Buddha, it also comprises of His
footprints, an elephant procession, the Bodhi Tree, a
sleeping beauty, a horse back procession and Emperor
Ashoka, relinquishing war by presenting his sword to
Lord Buddha. Dhauli Hill is also quite famous for the
Saddharma Vihar Monastery and a number of rock-cut
caves. Not to be missed are numerous Hindu temples,
which date back to the medieval age.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
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Dhauligiri
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