Dhauli Hill, the most visited Buddhist pilgrim destinations in India

Dhauli Hill

Location: 8km from Bhubaneshwar

Dhauli Hill – The famous Buddhist pilgrim destinations in Odisha

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 stands for the place where, after witnessing the killing of Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka turn down his quest of war and adopted Buddhism. Ashoka take to the teachings of peace and non-violence preached by Lord Buddha. A proof of this rejection of war and adoption of peace are the official statement of the Emperor, which have been preserved here. The edicts at Dhauli are a living testimony to King Ashoka’s adoption of the doctrine of non-violence or conquest through love.

The Dhauli edicts are written in the Prakrit language using the Brahmi script.

One of the major attractions of the Dhauli Hills is a Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda). Situated on the opposite side of the hill. The Shanti Stupa constructed by the Japan Buddhist Sangha is one of the modern day additions to the wonderful Dhauli Hill Complex. 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 relaxed Buddha figurine.