History, Importance, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Dhauli Giri Hill, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Dhauli Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri also known to be as Peace Pagoda is located on the top of Dhauli Hills, on bank of the river Daya, which is 8 kms at a distance from Bhubaneshwar towards Puri, in Odisha and the place where Kalinga war was believed to be fought. It is world famous Buddhist heritage site where tourist around the world from Buddhist community visit throughout the year.
The pagoda was built as a collaborative project between Kalinga Nippon Sangha, Japan Buddha Sangha and the Odisha government in 1970’s to mark the end of the Kalinga war which was fought on the bank of the river Daya around 261 BC. This is second shanti stupa after the Shanti Stupa in Bihar state at Rajgiri.
The Kalinga War – one of the bloodiest of history of mankind was won by the great Ashoka but the blood which was shed during those fights changes his heart into humanity which converted Chanda Ashoka that means fierce warrior to Dharma Ashoka means Peace warrior. The Dharma Ashoka then entered into Buddhism where he developed the religion in a certain way and started propagating Buddhism in foreign Lands.
The Peace Pagoda has four different idols of Lord Buddha in various postures. The Buddha’s life scenes are being carved on the stone slabs in Pagoda. The Kalinga Dhauli Mahotsav is very well celebrated here in the month of February organized by Odisha Government which is a three day festival where the mix of classical dance, classical music and martial art dance forms are being present from across the country by professionals. The Dhauli Hills also provide a bird’s third eye view of the entire area, lish green agricultural lands and the river Daya. There is also a Light and musical show in Pagoda every day in evening except Monday which depicts the life and struggles of King Ashoka and his transformation towards Dharma.
How to reach Shanti Stupa, Dhauli, Near Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Dhauli is very well connected with the cities of Odisha. You can very easily reach Dhauli from Bhubaneshwar by taxi/cab or even Autorikshaw. The Buses to reach Dhauli is frequently available from Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Cuttack. The nearest Railway Station is in Bhubaneshwar at a distance of 10kms. The nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at a distance of 11kms.
