Dhauligiri- The Peace Pagoda

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.

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Sun Temple Konark-The Black Pagoda

About Konark

The Sun Temple, Konark was built in the meeting place of Chandrabhaga river and Bay of Bengal in the 13^th Century AD by the king of Ganga Dynasty Narasingha Dev-I (Popularly known as Langula Narasingha Dev). It is situated in a small village Konark (named after the temple)in Puri District of Odisha, India. Lord Sun is the presiding deity here. The temple is a certified World Heritage Site. Konark is popularly known as Black Pagoda, as it was built by using black granite stones. The flawless architecture, gentle undulating topography natural surroundings attracts many tourists from India as well as abroad towards this place. It is one of the most lovable historical sites of India to experience the beauty of ancient art and culture.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple is built in the shape of a chariot. It depicts the excellent stone carving skills of ancient Odisha architectures. The architecture of the temple is designed in such a manner that it looks like a huge chariot driven by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of elegantly designed wheels. The main entrance of the temple is guarded by two lions. The most part of the temple is filled with the sculptures like Women in dancing pose, Animals, couples in amorous poses etc. It is alleged from the survey that Magnetic Technology was used to construct the whole temple. The temple is placed in such a manner that the first ray of the rising sun fall on the coast would pass through the temple. It is alleged that there was a load stone at the top of the temple (Known as Dhadi Nauti) which was the reason for the balance of the whole temple. But it is missing now. There is much folklore regarding the removal of the loadstone. At present the temple is in a half-ruin stage.

At the entrance of the temple there is a Nrutya Mandap (Nata Mandir). Besides the main temple, there is another temple dedicated to Naba-Grahas (Nine planets).The complete temple is surrounded with botanical gardens and parks which enhances its beauty.

How To Reach the place

Konark can be reached by road, rail and air.

Nearest Railway Station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station which is 65KM away and Puri is 35KM away in Marine Drive.

By Road Konark is 85 KM away from Puri via Pipli . 35KM in the Marine Drive. State Capital, Bhubaneswar is 65KM away by road from Konark. Continuous vehicle services are available from both Bhubaneswar and Puri  to Konark.

The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport. Indian Airlines flights are available from all major cities of India like Delhi, Kolkata, Vizag, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

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Potagarh Fort-Picnic spot & Historical Place

About the Fort

PotaGarh is a Historical Fort built by Britishers in the year 1768 AD. Previously it was the first Collectorate Office of Ganjam Dist. But subsequently because of Drought the Collectorate was shifted to Berhampur in the year 1835 AD. The fort is in ruins stage, but it says regarding the glorious past of Ganjam.

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