The Buddhist Heritage of Jajpur
The historic Buddhist sites located in the Jajpur district of Odisha played an important role in the development and spread of Buddhism across Asia.
By Jajpur
Jajpur Administration
Ruins of a Mahastupa, surrounded by Votive Stupas at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
Historical Jajpur
Discover the rich Buddhist heritage of Jajpur district of Odisha. The historic sites here played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. Join us on a journey to explore these wonders.
A colossal image of Buddha at the central shrine of Udayagiri Monastery-I (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Buddhism in Jajpur
Buddhism first spread to Odisha during the 3rd Century BCE, thanks to the efforts of the third Mauryan ruler Ashoka, following the Kalinga War in 261 BCE. One of the earliest Buddhist sites established in the state is the stupa at Langudi Hill in Jajpur district.
Rock-cut Stupas at the Langudi HillJajpur
Langudi Hill
Located just 35 kilometers away from Jajpur Town, Langudi Hill is a significant Buddhist site dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Visitors can explore the ruins of votive stupas, rock-cut Stupas, a monastery and find many sculptures, and figurines of Buddha and other deities.
Rock-cut images Of Buddha and other deities at the Langudi HillJajpur
Scholars and monks from across India and Southeast Asia were drawn to the Buddhist establishment at Langudi Hill, which was then known as Pushpagiri Vihara.
Ruins of a Stupa at the Langudi HillJajpur
Interestingly, the Pushpagiri Vihara at Langudi Hill also finds mention in the chronicles of the 7th century Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited the thriving establishment and referred to it as ‘Pu-se-po-k'i-li’ or ‘Pushpagiri’.
Idol of a Deity within one of the Monastery walls at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
Diamond Triangle of Buddhism
Jajpur is home to some of the most important Buddhist sites in Odisha, including the great monastery complexes of Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, which form the popularly known 'Diamond Triangle of Buddhism' along with the Lalitgiri complex in the neighboring Cuttack district.
Ruins of a Brick Temple at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
These three monasteries were the nucleus from which Vajrayana School of Buddhism emerged and thrived between 7th and 13th centuries CE.
Structrures inside the central courtyard of Monastery-I at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
Ratnagiri
One of the largest and most important monastery complexes in India, the Buddhist complex at Ratnagiri is located just 33 kilometers from Jajpur Town.
Inside the Monastery-II, featuring the courtyard and statue of Buddha at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
It features two monasteries, a large stupa, a temple, numerous smaller structures and more than 700 votive stupas, made of brick or stone of various sizes, which hold relics.
Votive Stupas at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
The site, where Vajrayana School of Buddhism were studied and practiced by great scholars, was also a great center of arts and crafts. The Buddhist sculptures which could be seen here have similarities with those found at Borobudur (Indonesia) and Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).
Entrance of Monastery-I at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
The main entrance of the monastery at Ratnagiri is adorned by a wonderful elaborately carved chlorite doorway, often described as the loveliest entrance to a structural monastery in the whole of India.
Buddha's face idol along with other deities' idols in Monastery-I at Ratnagiri (0600-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
The important 18th century Tibetan Buddhist text 'Pag Sam Jon Zang' refers to Ratnagiri as the birthplace of the Kalachakra Tantra, one of the most important traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, that is still practiced in the Tibetan monasteries around the world.
Aerial view of the Monastery-II, adjoining Stupa and ruins at Udayagiri (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Udayagiri
The Udayagiri monastery complex also known as ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara’, located 35 kilometers away from Jajpur town, was a significant Buddhist religious center in the region, ranking second only to Ratnagiri during the 7th to 13th centuries.
The Stupa-Chaitya Complex near the Monastery-I at Udayagiri (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
The complex housed a number of important structures, including several monasteries, chaitya halls (worship halls), and stupas (dome-shaped structures that contain relics of the Buddha or other holy figures).
Different types of Buddha statues at Udayagiri (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Many of these structures were richly decorated with sculptures, carvings, and inscriptions, providing valuable insights into the art and culture of the time.
Open courtyard inside the Udayagiri Monastery-I (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
One of the most impressive features of the complex was the central stupa, which featured large statues.
Part of the Udayagiri Monastery-I and ruins surrouning it (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
This stupa and the surrounding monasteries and other structures were also important centers of learning and scholarship, where scholars studied and preserved the teachings of Buddhism.
A Stupa at Udayagiri (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, the Udayagiri complex was also an important economic center, serving as a hub of trade and commerce.
This was partly due to its location in a region known for its natural resources, and also the close cultural linkages that this region had with Southeast Asia.
Ruins (probably of a monastery) at the Langudi HillJajpur
With the decline of Buddhism in the 13th century, many of the prominent monastery complexes at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Langudi, and other sites in the region were left to fall into disrepair and obscurity.
Ruins of a Stupa at the Langudi HillJajpur
It was not until the early 20th century, when the Archaeological Survey of India began to explore and uncover these hidden treasures, that the true extent and significance of these complexes came to light once again.
A part of the Stupa-Chaitya Complex near the Monastery-I at Udayagiri (0700-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Today, the historically rich and artistically opulent archaeological sites of Jajpur play a vital role in our understanding of the cross-cultural connections that existed in Asia.
Rock-cut Stupas carved on a single rock at the Langudi HillJajpur
It is a perfect destination for history buffs and art lovers, who want to explore and learn about the ancient cultural and religious heritage of the region. So make sure to visit Jajpur, and let it leave an indelible impression on you!
Live History India
