At a glimpse :

Location : Odra (Orissa), India.

Significance of : Buddhism

Originated in : Earlier period of 7th Century.

Coverage area : 155,707 square kilometer.

Best season to visit : November to March.

Facts :

The Buddhism which is known as the sacred place is situated in the eastern region of India. This place is edged by the Kharkhand in the northern part, West Bengal in northern eastern part, Bay of Bengal in eastern, Andhra Pradesh in south, and Chattisgarh in the west. The holy Buddhism shrine is located in the state of Orissa with a coverage area of 155, 707 square kilometer. It is stretched on the huge plateau and costal plains in foreground.

Buddhism in Orissa state has made a great impact in the Indian geography and history. It is the most religious site where a number of tourists come to witness this place. Buddhism has even left a great impact on the Culture and lifestyle of Oriya. According to the mythological stories, it is believed that Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This religion was originally initiated right from the beginning of the period, though Lord Buddha never came to Orissa in his whole lifetime. According to the Buddhist chronicles, the ‘Buddha’s Kesa Asthi’ which is known as “Hair relic”was brought to Orissa (Odra) by two traders named as Bhallika and Tapassu. In the later period, the tooth and the nail relics of Lord Buddha also entered in Orissa state.

As per the scholars, they believe that the Biraja is one of the most famous sacred lands in modern Jaipur. The place is dedicated to the Buddha Padmaprabha and birth place of Mahayana. It was mainly supported by the reality of Jaipur and the neighborhood regions which are believed to preserve rich Mahayanic antiquities. In the earlier period of 7th century, the call of Hiuen Tsang to the state of Orissa brightly described the prosperous state of the Buddhism in the Odra region. During the 8th and 10th century, Buddhism religion was originally started under the Bhaumakaras. In this period, they also saw the growth of the tantric form in the Mahayana Buddhism. This sacred place has preserved various mysteries during the earlier times.

Main significance of Buddhism :

In previous times, Orissa state was known as the powerful Kalinga Empire. During this time, this place was very important from both views of cultural and commercial. Later after a period of time, the Kalinga Empire was thrown out with Mauryan Emperor. Asoka was raged out in the 3rd century BC. He was the only ambitious king but the violence that he saw in the war of Kalinga shook him totally and made him full of deep regrets. He mainly accepted Buddhism religion and also indulged into various activities for several years just to reach the philosophies of this spirituality that was preached by Prince Siddharta i.e. (Gautam Buddha). Asokan proclamations that still live are the statement to this adaptation that occurred here in powerful king; he also got successful in his efforts to spread love and peace amongst the people in the whole world. Later on, when Asoka died, Buddhism in state of Orissa had to face various setbacks because of the emersion of Jainism.

The impact and influence of Buddhism in Orissa continued till the previous times of 15th century. The place is adorned with various stupas, images, and viharas which are known as monasteries in the Buddhist temple. Visitors will find these attraction while wandering in this place which is famous for its historic and cultural heritage. To witness this place around myriads of tourist hail from far away regions and cities. It is one of the ancient sites which are popular among all the tourist attractions of Orissa. If you are planning to witness this historical site in your next weekend, make sure you visit it on ideal time.

Majority of the tourist come here during the month of November to March. Among all the attractions for visitors that are worth watching in Orissa, Buddhism is most renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty that reflects the earlier century. This holy religious shrine is not only famous for its historical site, but it also offers other attraction that pleases the eyes of visitors with delight. While exploring in the place, you can come across various spots that are close from here, they are the pristine beaches, stunning blue hills, rapid running rivers, beautiful waterfall, rock caves, green woodlands, mud villages, colorful tribal areas, antique handicrafts, sacred temple, and exotic Wildlife of Orissa.