Itineraries

Foot prints of Buddha in Orissa

Right from the time of its inception, Buddhism was known in Orissa. From 8th to 10th century, Buddhism was the state religion and remains influential up to 15th century. Pali texts refer to Tapasu and Bhallika, two merchants from Orissa were the first disciples of Lord Buddha.

Vistas of ancient scriptures of Buddha scattered in the state talk volumes on the legends of three relics of Buddha; (hair, nail and tooth) was enshrined in the heart of Orissa. Brahamadatta, the King of Kaling built a gigantic Chaitya over it in his capital Dantapura.

As a flourishing ground of Buddhisim, Orissa is the origin of ‘Vajrayan’, ‘Mahayana’, Kalachakrayana and Sahajayana tantric forms of Buddhism. ‘Vajrayan’ and Sahajayan were developed by king Indrabhuti and his sister Lakshminkara, two great exponents of this form of Buddhism during the middle of the ninth century A.D.

Apart from the infinite stupas, viharas, chaityas, monasteries; the visit of Hiuen Tsang to ancient Odra in 7th century (639 A D.), and historical records of Fa- Hian testifies the long thriving heritage of Buddhism in Orissa.

On this soil happened the great metamorphic Kalinga war in 261 B.C. that changed cruel king Asoka to a devout Buddhist. Orissa is the land to radiate and spread the light of Buddhism to spread in far off lands.

Trails and sites of - Rich architectural Buddhist remains and sculptural wealth of Buddhist Heritage sites makes Orissa unique.

Important centers of Buddhist culture in Orissa:

Orissa has a wide and enriching Buddhist Circuit is that includes important Buddhist trails and sites such as: Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri Langudi Hills and Dhauli.

Apart from these, Orissa is littered with several Buddhist centers and monuments such as: Puspagiri,Khiching, Padmapur, Kuruma, Muchalinda Vihar, to name a few are lying scattered throughout the districts of Cuttack, Sambalpur, Balasore, Raygada, Ganjam, Boudh and Phulbani, showcasing foot prints of Lord Buddha and Buddhist heritage in Orissa.