Dhauli Shanti Stupa & Dhauligiri Grills Hills, on the bank of Daya River, is 8 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, but it is considered a part of the city and one of its big tourist attractions. These hills situated amidst plains, forests, and the Daya River are of great importance in the history not only of Odisha but of India also.
The famous Kalinga War was fought here between the Mauryan Kingdom and Kalinga Kingdom, and Emperor Ashoka was taken aback after winning the war due to the enormity of the death toll and destruction. He chose to follow the path of Buddhism as a place of penance.
To honor this war and the subsequent transformation of Ashoka, a memorial in the form of a stupa has been built on these hills, known as the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. Another remarkable thing about these hills is that at its foot is located the site of Ashokan Rock Edicts, another testimony to Emperor Ashoka’s transformation for these edicts have messages of peace and the teachings of the peaceful religion of Buddhism.
History of Dhauli Giri Hills Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Dhauli Giri Hills is one of the most prime places in the Indian history. It was here that the Kalinga War was fought – the largest and deadliest battle ever known to mankind. It is estimated that over 2,00,000 soldiers lost their lives in this bloodbath. Such was the red-hot bloodshed that the whole Daya River turned red.
Such a disastrous and blood-soaked scene only made Emperor Ashoka question the very basis of war and the bloodshed of innocent lives. He realized his mistake and vowed to tread on the path of peace forever. And he became a Buddhist and spread awareness about Buddhism not only in India but in the different countries of Asia as well. Ashoka made several rock edicts with declarations, messages, and teachings of him on non-violence, good conduct, decency towards others, and right behavior in many places. Many of these are found at the foot of Dhauli Giri Hills, including those Ashokan Rock Edicts.
The Kalinga Dhauli Mahotsav is the major festival held at Dhauli Giri Hills. It takes place every year in February. This three-day festival is sponsored by the Odisha Tourism Department. This festival has been seen in various forms of classical dance, classical music, and martial art dance performances. Renowned dancers, musicians, and more than 500 performance artists from all over the country participate in this event.
Things to do at Dhauli Grills Hills Bhubaneswar
Dhauli Giri Hills offer an excellent panoramic view of the Bhubaneswar city and handsome Daya River. The view from the top of the hills is just breathtaking. It has quite a calm and peaceful environment. The two most notable attractions of the Dhauli Giri Hills are the Shanti Stupa and Ashokan Rock Edicts.
1. Dhauli Shanti Stupa: Dhauli Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda is located on the Dhauli Giri Hills. Dhauli Shanti Stupa is among one of the popular tourist attractions of Bhubaneswar. It has been built around 1970 by Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha.
It is known for its glittering architecture, which is semi-dome in shape. At the top of the semi-dome, five umbrella-shaped protrusions can be seen, which signify the philosophies of Buddhism. Lord Buddha’s etched images can also be seen on its walls in various poses. The life stories of Lord Buddha have also been engraved on the stone tablets of the temple. A colossal figure of Lord Buddha can be seen inside this stupa.
2. Ashokan Rock Edict: Ashokan Rock Edict is an interesting one to see, sited at the foot of Dhauli hills. The place holds declarations of Emperor Ashoka and his teachings of Buddhism carved on rocks, cave walls, and pillars.
The attraction at the site is the rock-carved structure of an elephant, coming out of a huge rock. It is interpreted as that transformation of Emperor Ashoka from cruel warmonger to a peace-loving Buddhist. The complex also contains a beautiful garden inside.
3. Daya River: Dhauli Hills lay at the left bank of the Daya River. The tourism fascinates the scenic beauty of this river, that reflects broad plains and forest areas.
4. The Light and Sound Show: There is an exposition that occurs every evening except on Mondays at Dhauli Shanti Stupa. It is a marvelous laser light show that narrates the life story of King Ashoka, enacting the whole story of the Kalinga war. Anyone can attend this marvelous light and sound show by paying a few bucks.
5. Dhabaleswar Temple: Dhabaleshwar temple is the ancient Hindu temple situated behind the DhauliGiri Shanti Stupa. The presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva. It is one of the attractions to visit at the Dhauli Giri Hills.
How to Reach, Transportation, Tourist Facilities, Tourist Attractions, Accessibility
Open Timings
Dhauligiri Grills Hills opening time is Monday to Sunday Morning 05:00 am to Evening 7:00 pm
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa is all time of the year
Closest Bus Stand to Dhauligiri Grills Hills
The nearest Bus stand is Master Canteen, which is located around 10 KM distance from Dhauligiri Grills Hills
Closest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Bhubaneswar, which is located around 10 KM distance from Dhauligiri Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Closest Airport
The Closest Airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 11 KM distance from Dhauligiri Dhauli Shanti Stupa
