About Dhauligiri- The Peace Pagoda
Shanti Stupa or Dhauligiri popularly known as the Peace pagoda is situated on the river banks of Daya. The place is very important in the historical point of view. It reminds us the great Kalinga War fought in 261 B.C., the heroics of Kalinga people and the conversion of Asoka to Dharmasoka. Dhauligiri represents the victory of non-violence over violence. It teaches us the power of non-violence. Large number of visitors visit here to see the Rock Edicts of Asoka.
Shanti Stupa and main attractions of the place
The main attraction of the place is Shanti Stupa, the White Tomb. Colored White, it represents the peace, hence rightly named as Peace Pagoda. This monument was built by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in combination with Japanese Buddhist Sangha in 1971-72. The Tomb is adorned with the statues of Goutam Buddha in four directions in four difference postures. Information regarding Kalinga War is inscribed on the walls of the Shanti Stupa in the form of images. Four pairs of Lions are stationed in the four directions of the monument.
It is the Rock Edict of Asoka which attracts much more travelers apart from the pagoda. The entire Rock Edict of Dhauligiri contains edicts I-X and XIV. The entire rock edict is divided into three columns. The edicts were composed in Brahmi Script and used prakit language. One can also found a Stone Carved Elephant and a Stupa near the Edict.
Apart from the Shanti Stupa and Rock edict one can also found some enormous temples and they are Dhaveleswar Temple, Bahirangeswar Temple, Shiva Temple and Ganesh Temple.
How to Reach the Place
The place Dhauligiri is 8 Km away from Bhubaneswar. Regular bus and Taxi services are available from Bhubaneswar.
The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
As Bhubaneswar is the state capital of Odisha, it is connected to each and every place both by bus and train. Hence, it can be reached very easily.
