Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri :the Peace Pagda ,at Bhubaneswar,Odisha

Shanti Stupa, Dhauligiri

Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri is also known as the Peace Pagda. Dhauligiri lies at a distance of 7 Km from Bhubaneswar. As one travels from Bhubaneswar to Puri, one finds Shanti Stupa. The word 'shanti' in the name itself suggests peace. Since King Ashoka adopted the path of peace and tranquility and resorted to Buddhism, he laid the foundation of Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa at a place which is known for the end of Kalinga War. Here, one finds the edict of Lord Budddha which is visited by numerous Buddhist devotees.

The construction of Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri was assisted by Fuji Guruji and therefore, the place became the place of devotion and worship for various people belonging to different generations. One can also spot a number of stupas, chaityas as well as pillars whose foundation was laid by King Ashoka. There also exist a number of edicts that display King Ashoka's intention to promote joy, peace and contentment all through the world. And over the edicts, you come across a rock cut elephant that is considered to be the earliest Buddhist sculpture in Orissa.

The overall structure of the stupa is in the shape of a dome. One can spot the Buddha footprints as well as the Bodhi tree over the stone panels. Over the panels, one also spots the image of Ashoka who keeps his sword of war in front of Lord Buddha suggesting that he had given up the idea of war completely. In the vicinity of this stupa, there lays a monastery named as the Saddharma Vihar Monastery, which is much visited by the Buddhist devotees. And at a short distance from the Shanti Stupa, you find the temple of Dhavaleshwar that was renovated in the year 1972 and is much frequented by Hindu as well as Buddhist devotees. Therefore, do make it a point to visit Dhauligiri and explore various Buddhist attractions that add to the sacred significance of Dhauligiri in Orissa.

Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa near Bhubaneswar is well connected by rail, road and air 

After traveling a distance of 7 KMs from Bhubaneswartowards Puri ( or Konarak ) one can see Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa at the right side ( on Dhauli hills ) just after crossing Daya river bridge. From this point on Puri road (also known as Jaganath road ) the Shanti Stupa distance is 3 Km. 

This Dhauli Shanti Stupa is also known as Peace Pagoda 

Nearest Railway Station is Bhubaneswar and distance from Railway station to Dhauli is 10 Kms. 

Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar and it is 12 Km from airport. 

By road: It is located at a distance of 3 Km from Bhubaneswar – Puri Jaganath Road. 

Usually visitors prefer to visit this place for one hour on their journey to Puri or Konark.

Construction of Stupa

Pandit Jawaharlala Neheru laid the foundation stone of first Shanti Stupa in Bihar state at Rajgiri . After this the then Governor of Bihar Sri Nitya Nanda Kanungo decided to establish second Shanti Stupa at Dhauligiri in Orissa State. He formed Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh and became the chairman. Fujii Gurujii along with his young disciples helped in building the Stupa. Nipponzan Myohoji happily beard the entire cost considering it as a offering to Lord Buddha. This Stupa was ready in two year time and got inaugurated on 8th Nov 1972.

Accommodation

It is located close to Bhubaneswar so you can stay in any of the hotels in old town area of Bhubaneswar. Dhauli giri is covered under one day tour program starting from Puri. This place can also be covered in Puri Konark Tour package from Bhubaneswar or Puri

Historic Importance of Dhauligiri

It was here at Dhauli by the side of Daya River that emperor Ashok laid down the weapons of violence and accepted a life of Ahimsa in the form of Buddhism after the Kalinga war. This stupa as selected by Fujii guruji is a symbol of peace for the future generation to come. 

At Darjeeling ( West Bengal State), there is a another Peace Pagoda constructed by Fujii Gurujee