Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is another pilgrimage related to Buddhism, near Udaigiri and Khandigiri
caves, and has many significant Buddhist sculptures scattered around in
the hill range. The excavations have revealed the relation of this place
with the Gupta Dynasty, and this dates back to 6th Century AD. The huge
monastery that has been excavated is thought to be of Mahayana sect, showing
that Buddhism spread through these areas in the later part, especially due
to the influence of the great kings such as Ashoka and those of the Gupta
dynasty. There are also some other pieces of Buddhist origin in this place
including the monastery, stupas, chaityas etc.
Not only a religious pace, Ratnagiri was also a great place of learning
for the Budhism of Tantric cult, known as Vajrayana. The Kalchakrayana
also had flourished considerably in this place, as evident from the Tibetan
Buddhist texts.
Location
Located in Jajpur district of Orissa, Ratnagiri lies at a distance of
100 km from Bhubaneswar, encompassed by rivers in all the directions.
The rivers namely, Mahanadi, Brahmani, Kimiria and Birupa cover Ratnagiri
from all directions.
Attractions
The stupas
The stupas are unsurpassable scenery as there are many small stupas around
the big one, which makes the circumambulation nearly an impossible task.
Various donors who, accordingly differentiated in materials, structure
and constructions had donated these stupas.
These stupas, numerous and in varieties, portray a vivid picture of Buddhism
in ancient India, in its fully bloomed phase. Moreover, they represent the
only site with monolithic stupas in such dense manner, also due to the helping
hand of the villagers who added stupas from the nearby places into the site.
The monasteries
The monastery holds in front of the visitor the splendid past of Ratnagiri,
affluent and culturally rich, the proofs could be easily obtained from
these delicately built monasteries. The monastery has 24 cells, a spacious
courtyard, a shrine in the front and a lobby etc. The monastery is a proof
of the superlative degree, of the richness, and flourishing of Buddhism
in India is still hold high in the sentiments of the devoted Buddhist.
The exquisite artistry in the doorframe of the monastery makes everybody
spell bound, with its chlorite stones offering it a lovelier finish than
the most of the shrines in India. The doorway, with its delicately cut
out figures of males and a border of a row of flowers invites everybody
to explore in. Or, do they make one stand out of the shrine for more times?
The motifs
The motifs, called Kunjalata and Patralata in Oriya, are representation
of the process of cultural transfer and adoption of items from Buddhism
as the similar art and style is in Vogue in Orissa, in some parts even
in other communities than the Buddhists.
The Buddha Sculptures, especially the one in Varada Mudra is worth a
close look for its smooth finish and the artistic language it speaks in.
Besides this, there are many other sculptures of significant Buddha followers.
Excursions
Langudi hills : At a distance of 93 Km from Bhubaneswar, and with
Stupas cut out from rock, the Buddha statue in Samadhi-mudra, Sculpture
of Tara, the harmonic umbrella, the Cyllindrical dome, the Langudi hills
have become a hotspot for the Buddhist Pilgrims. More so, after fast journeys
and heavy schedules, Langudi is ideal for a languid leisure day.
Udaigiri and Khandigiri hills : Famous for the caves, these hills
provides some solid examples of Jain and Buddhist art of the 2nd Century
BC. There are monasteries, Chaityas and stupas that represent a vibrant
culture that flourished in these hills. The archaeologically invaluable
ancient brick monastery is also a tourist attraction. Besides, the Buddha
sculptures and the rock sculptures cut out of the hill also attract lots
of people.
Jajpur : Situated at a distance of 92 Km from Cuttack, Jajpur
is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage situated by the river Baitarini. The tourist
attractions include a temple of goddess Durga, Sveta Boraha (the Boraha
incarnation of Lord Vishnu), and Sapta matruka.
How to reach
Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, connected to most major cities
in India.
Rail : Cuttack is the best railway station within easy reach, at a distance
of 70 km from Ratnagiri and well connected with major stations across
India.
Road : There are good roads from Cuttack, and direct buses run between the
two places.
Ratnagiri,
Buddhist Major Destinations Reservation Form
