Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is full of treasures of historical and spiritual landmarks. Among the many icons in the city, Dhauli Shanti Stupa stands as a renowned symbol of peace and serenity. Built in a hill atop the Daya River, it is not merely an architectural treasure but also is one of the crucial sites in Buddhism in honour of the emperor Ashoka, who transitioned from being a warrior into a proponent of peace. We shall now talk about the importance, history, and how to visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa Bhubaneswar Odisha, including the amazing views of the surroundings, the religious value it holds, and the Dhauli Shanti Stupa timings so you can plan an unforgettable visit.
Historical Importance of Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Dhauli Shanti Stupa, otherwise known as Peace Pagoda, is situated around 8 kilometers south of Bhubaneswar atop Dhauli Hills. The stupa holds immense historical significance, especially due to its association with Emperor Ashoka, the Mauryan emperor who ruled in the 3rd century BCE. Dhauli is historically famous for the Kalinga War, a brutal conflict fought between the Mauryan Empire and the state of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha). The war is particularly significant as it marked a major turning point in Ashoka’s life.
Ashoka, once a ruthless conqueror, was deeply moved by the bloodshed and suffering caused by the war. In the aftermath, he embraced Buddhism, renounced violence, and became a firm believer in peace and non-violence. It was here, in Dhauli, that Ashoka’s transformation took place. Ashoka built the Dhauli Shanti Stupa and several other Buddhist monuments to commemorate this victory of peace over violence as a new commitment to the principles of Dharma and Ahimsa.
Dhauli was built as Shanti Stupa under the auspices of the Japanese Buddhist community, during the 1970s; it follows all the traditional forms of style as applied for Buddhist pagoda. Thousands come here each year to pay their homage at the site before the great lord Buddha. Many visitors enjoy peace with serenity being a tranquil aspect of this land.
The Architectural Details:
Dhauli Shanti Stupa contains some of the finest architectural pieces, drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese pagodas. The stupa is of white marble, shining with sunlight and creating a pure and peaceful ambience around it. This atmosphere of serenity and peacefulness is heightened by the beautiful gardens that have been kept immaculately clean around the monument. These gardens, with flowers blooming vibrantly and the grass well-cut, provide an area for the visitors to sit and ponder in silence.
The base of the stupa has been beautified with carvings and representations of Buddhist symbols. It includes the Dharmachakra (wheel of Dharma) at the bottom, while the top of the structure is covered by a massive dome, and at its center, a statue of Lord Buddha stands, symbolizing the victory of peace and non-violence. The serenity and spiritual value of the Dhauli Hills add to the enchantment of the structure.
Besides the main stupa, there are a series of smaller stupas and shrines dedicated to various Buddhist figures and teachings. These add to the visual and spiritual appeal of the area, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa Bhubaneswar Odisha: A Spiritual Retreat
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa Bhubaneswar Odisha is not just a tourist destination but also a spiritual retreat for pilgrims who are Buddhists and other seekers of inner peace. The peaceful surrounding environment of the stupa, along with its rich history, makes this place very powerful for meditation and introspection. The stupa here reminds one of the ideals of peace, compassion, and non-violence as propagated by Lord Buddha.
Visitors can walk around the monument, take in the surrounding views, and sit in meditation. The calm atmosphere, away from the noise and chaos of the city, provides the perfect environment for contemplation and spiritual rejuvenation. For many visitors, the Shanti Stupa Dhauli serves as a place of healing, where they can reconnect with themselves and experience the universal message of peace and harmony.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa Timings: Timings to Visit
If you plan to visit the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, it is always important to know the Dhauli Shanti Stupa timings to enjoy your visit completely. The stupa is open daily from morning to evening. Here are the general timings:
Morning Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Evening Timings: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
These timings facilitate the visitation to the stupa both at the quiet peaceful early morning time and the tranquil evening time of sunset behind the hills, when the sun spreads a golden glimmer over the monument. Visitation is generally recommended in the early morning so that one gets the cool breeze and solitude when the crowds are thinner. Or, a peaceful moment of reflection, can be experienced in the afternoon when the sun sets below the horizon.
How to Get to Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Dhauli Shanti Stupa is situated on the Dhauli Hills and is about 8 km south of the city of Bhubaneswar. It is very accessible by road and people can reach there by taxi, auto-rickshaw or private vehicle. The road to the stupa is well-paved and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the base of the hill, there is a steep but short climb to the top where the stupa is located.
For the people, who use public transport; buses and three-wheelers leave from Bhubaneswar regularly for Dhauli. As a matter of fact, the place is quite convenient to visit along with other sightseeing tours across Bhubaneswar.
Tourist Places in Dhauli
Dhauli offers other attraction sites close by. Some major tourist places which can be viewed around Dhauli are:
Dhauli Rock Edicts: Ancient inscriptions carved on the rocks around the stupa tell of Emperor Ashoka’s conversion and his commitment to Buddhism.
Peace Pagoda: A Japanese beauty of a pagoda, giving an added tranquil look to this space.
Mausoleum of Emperor Ashoka: Dedicated to the emperor, the structure stands for the emperor’s journey from being a mean emperor to turning into a gentle emperor of peace and Buddhism.
All these sites are within a short distance of the Shanti Stupa Dhauli, and it is easy for visitors to explore the area and learn more about the historical and spiritual significance of Dhauli.
Conclusion
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Bhubaneswar is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of peace, non-violence, and the transformation of Emperor Ashoka from a conqueror to a compassionate ruler. With its soothing atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful surroundings, it’s a must-visit for anyone who is interested in history, spirituality, and Buddhism. Whether a devout follower of Buddhism or someone looking to connect with the principles of peace, Dhauli Shanti Stupa Bhubaneswar Odisha offers a truly unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today to soak into the serene charm of this religious site and ruminate over this ageless peace message.
Author: vikram singh
Vikram provide personalized travel planning for individual, couples, families, and groups. I enjoyed planning trips and guiding indian traveller. vikram have a 5years of experience in this field and is well known in community.
