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Dhauli Hill – Peace Pagoda of Odisha

History says Dhauli Mountain is the silent attester of Maurya-Kalinga war which held on 261 BC at bottom of the mountain at Daya river bank. Dhauligiri Hill is a place marked with the stillness of Daya River and lies at a distance of 8 Km from Bhubaneswar. It is a hill with broad open space neighboring it, and has major canons of Ashoka impressed on a mass rock, by the side of the road leading to the apogee of the hill. The Shanti Stupa at Dhauli Hills is an expressive symbol of love and peace. The pilgrimage is a representative because here King Ashoka relinquished from violent battles.

History of Becoming “Dhauligiri” to “Dhauli Shanti Stupa”

Ashoka had a special fondness for Dhauli, where the battle was fought. It is said that the Daya River had turned to red with the blood of the many exanimate after the battle, and then Ashoka realized the significance of horror associated with war. He set up several chaityas, stupas and pillars there. He got habitats excavated for the reclusive, instructions documented for officials, explained the main principles of dandaniti for the public, provided special status to his new kingdom including Stupas at Dhauli Hill. At this place Ashoka biased DharmAshoka from ChandAshoka and the place became Dhauli Shanti Stupa.

Major Attractions at Dhauligiri

Peace Pagoda: Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda is a mushroom like structure .In Shanti Stupa there are 4 giant statues of Lord Buddha which are located in 4 sides of the Stupa. Each sides there are two lions present in front Lord Buddha statue. 

Bhaskareshwar Temple: Bhaskareshwar Temple is located at Tankapani road. A number of Ashokan edicts and a Stupa are located here.

Shiva Temple: The Shiva Temple, situated in the Dhauligiri hills, is the place for the mass gathering of devotees for the celebrations of Shiva Ratri.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearby airport is Bhubaneswar airport.

By Rail: Bhubaneswar is the nearest railway station.

By Road: Bhubaneswar is well connected to all places. So one can reach easily at Dhauli.

Best Time to Visit Dhauli

Best time to visit Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa is from the month of November to February.