Buddhist Sites in Odisha

The state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) holds a distinguished place in the history of Buddhism in India. As the land of the Kalinga War, which transformed Emperor Ashoka into a follower of Buddhism, Odisha became one of the most important centres of Buddhist learning, art, and monastic culture in ancient India. Over the centuries, it developed into a sacred landscape dotted with stupas, monasteries, and relic sites representing various phases of Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions.

Historical Background

The spread of Buddhism in Odisha can be traced to the 3rd century BCE, following Ashoka’s conquest of Kalinga. Deeply moved by the devastation of war, Ashoka embraced the principles of peace and non-violence, promoting Buddhist teachings across his empire. The Dhauli hills, situated near Bhubaneswar, are believed to be the very site of the Kalinga War and the emperor’s subsequent spiritual transformation.
In the centuries that followed, especially between the 5th and 12th centuries CE, Buddhism flourished under the patronage of regional dynasties such as the Maukharis, Shailodbhavas, and Bhaumakaras. Monasteries and universities were established, attracting monks and scholars from across Asia. Odisha thus became a significant centre for the development of Mahayana and later Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism, as reflected in its sculpture, inscriptions, and architecture.

Major Buddhist Sites

1. LalitgiriLalitgiri, located in the Cuttack district, is one of the earliest and most revered Buddhist sites in Odisha. It forms part of the famous “Diamond Triangle” along with Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. Excavations have revealed stupas, monasteries, shrines, and sculptures dating from the 1st century CE onwards. A major discovery here was a casket containing relics believed to be of the Buddha, signifying its importance as a pilgrimage site. The architectural remains display both Mahayana and Vajrayana influences, and the site is known for exquisite stone carvings of Bodhisattvas and other Buddhist deities.
2. RatnagiriRatnagiri, situated in Jajpur district, was once home to a prominent Mahavihara, or great monastery. The complex includes two large monasteries, numerous votive stupas, and beautifully sculpted panels depicting Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and other deities of the Buddhist pantheon. Archaeological findings suggest that Ratnagiri was a major centre of Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism from the 5th to 13th centuries CE. The sculptures and inscriptions reveal connections with the broader Buddhist world, linking Odisha with other centres such as Nalanda and Vikramashila.
3. UdayagiriLocated near Ratnagiri, Udayagiri is the largest of the three Diamond Triangle sites. Excavations have uncovered monasteries, stupas, sculptures, and prayer halls arranged on terraced slopes. The presence of stone inscriptions, seals, and bronze images indicates that Udayagiri was a thriving monastic and scholastic centre. The art and iconography found here exhibit mature craftsmanship, illustrating the rise of esoteric Vajrayana practices during the later phase of Odisha’s Buddhist history.
4. Pushpagiri Vihara (Langudi Hills)Pushpagiri, situated on the Langudi Hills in Jajpur district, was another major Buddhist learning centre. Ancient Chinese traveller Xuanzang mentioned Pushpagiri as one of the most famous monastic universities in India. Excavations have revealed stupas, rock-cut sculptures, inscriptions, and monastic remains that confirm its identity as a prominent Buddhist site. The hill slopes contain carvings of stupas and images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas in meditative poses, signifying its importance as a pilgrimage site in ancient times.
5. Dhauli (Shanti Stupa)Dhauli, located on the banks of the Daya River near Bhubaneswar, holds immense historical and spiritual significance. It is traditionally associated with the Kalinga War, after which Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Rock edicts at Dhauli bear Ashoka’s inscriptions promoting moral conduct and compassion. The modern Shanti Stupa, built in the 20th century by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, stands as a symbol of peace and Ashoka’s transformation.
6. Langudi and Kayama HillsThese hills in Jajpur district contain several ancient stupas and sculptural fragments dating to early Buddhist periods. The hill slopes reveal rock-cut stupas and carvings that suggest the presence of a flourishing monastic community. The sites offer valuable insight into the spread of Buddhism in coastal and central Odisha.
7. Jirang (Padma Sambhava Mahavihara)Located in Gajapati district, Jirang is home to the Padma Sambhava Mahavihara, one of the largest modern Buddhist monasteries in Eastern India. Built with Tibetan architectural influence, it represents the contemporary revival of Buddhism in Odisha and serves as a centre for monastic training and spiritual study among the Tibetan Buddhist community settled in the region.
8. Chandragiri MonasteryAlso in Gajapati district, Chandragiri houses Tibetan settlements established in the mid-20th century. The monastery complex here reflects the enduring presence of Buddhism in Odisha and the integration of Tibetan traditions with local culture.

Art, Architecture, and Iconography

The Buddhist monuments of Odisha are notable for their architectural diversity and artistic brilliance. The monastic complexes were built with brick and laterite, featuring quadrangular courtyards, prayer halls, votive stupas, and shrines. The sculptures found at Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri display refined craftsmanship, representing both peaceful and wrathful deities typical of Vajrayana art.
The images of the Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching gesture), Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and Manjushri reflect Odisha’s integration into the broader iconographic traditions of Buddhist art in India and Southeast Asia.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Odisha’s Buddhist heritage demonstrates the region’s vital role in the transmission of Buddhist philosophy and art across Asia. The convergence of Theravada simplicity, Mahayana idealism, and Vajrayana mysticism created a unique spiritual landscape. These sites also attest to Odisha’s maritime connections with Southeast Asia, where Buddhism spread through trade and cultural exchange.
The “Diamond Triangle” of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri is often compared to Nalanda and Vikramashila in terms of scholarly activity and religious significance. Together, they symbolise the intellectual and spiritual vitality of Odisha during the early medieval period.