Lalitgiri
- A Buddhist Center :
The earliest Buddhist complex, dating
back to 1st century A.D., has a huge brick monastery, the remains
of a Shaitya hall, a number of enigmatic stupas and a relocated
stone Stupa at the apex of a small rugged sand stone hill (Pushpagiri
Hill), dominates the rustic greenery around.
¤ Heritage
The site-museum of the ASI here displays a number of Mahayana
sculptures consisting of life-size figures, most of which contain
short inscriptions on them. The recent excavations have made the
place more popular among tourists, due to the findings of many
ancient sculptures and other items, which are important in
archaeological context. A lot of evidences support their link to
Gandharva and Mathura school of architecture. Excavations on the
hill-top brought to light an extensive Buddhist establishment
consisting of a Mahachaitya, stupas, chaityagrihas, a congregation
hall, platforms, viharas, kitchen-cum-store complex, pottery, tiles,
iron objects, moulded bricks, coins etc.,many of which are present
at the State Museum, Bhubaneswar. The heritage site is open from 6
am in the morning till 6 pm in the evening.
¤ How to Reach
Drive down or catch a bus from Cuttack, which is 55 km from
Lalitgiri.
Ratnagiri - A
Buddhist Center :
Located in Jajpur district of Orissa,
Ratnagiri lies at a distance of 100 km from Bhubaneswar and 70 km
from Cuttack. Encompassed by rivers in all the directions, this
Buddhist heritage site, built in 5 A.D. holds great archaeological
significance. The place is located on a small hill top over-looking
the vast plains dotted with green hills in the distance. A
large-scale excavation has unearthed two large monasteries, one of
them identified as Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha holds
beautiful doorways, cella sanctum, a big stupa, Buddhist shrines,
sculptures and colossal Buddha.
¤ Heritage
The entrance to the first monastery has some splendid carved statues
of Vajrapani and Lokeshwara, embellished on its walls. There are
sculptures from Hindu mythology as well, which have stood the test
of time. The square-shaped inner courtyard effuses a sense of
freedom in one's self. The impressive 10 ft effigy of Lord Buddha,
engaged in meditation which is placed inside a seclude chamber
surely takes a person to divine consciousness. Look out for the
exquisitely carved door panel set within the courtyard and other
splendid sculptural evidences, scattered all over the complex.
¤ How to Get There
Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, connected to most
major cities in India.
Rail : Cuttack is the nearest railway station within easy
reach, at a distance of 70 km from Ratnagiri and well connected with
all major stations across India. However one can even hire a taxi
from Bhubaneswar and come over to Ratnagiri.
Road : There are good roads from Cuttack, and direct buses
run regularly between the two places.
