Vishwa Shanti Stupa

Eight KMs from Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa, on the banks of the river Daya is located a small hill called Dhauligiri. It is also known locally as Dhauli. On the way to the hill summit one can notice splendid edicts of Ashoka embossed on a mass of rock. 

It is believed that Dhauli was the battlefield of the famous Kalinga War, in which the Mauryan emperor Ashoka won the battle in 265 BC. It is said that as a result of Kalinga War Daya river turned red by the blood of the dead bodies of the soldiers thrown all around the river bank. Although he won the battle the horrors of having killed over 150,000 people and the misery it inflicted on the people, filled Ashoka with remorse and brought about a sudden change of heart in him. He gave up his ambition of military conquest in favour of spiritual conquest!

The great Mauryan king renounced the path of violence to embrace Buddhism and publicized his new maxims in rock edicts and installed them in different parts of his empire. One of these is here at the base of Dhauli hills, in which he proclaims, 'All men are my children', and expresses his concern to ensure impartiality, non-violence, justice and compassion!

Today the more visited site is, Vishwa Shanti Stupa at the top of Dhauli Hill, built by Indo Japanese collaboration in 1972, standing in the form of a massive dome with lotus petals as its crown. This gleaming white double story structure stands on a platform with two entrances with flights of steps. The stupa, from its origin emerges as the central focus of worship.

Lingaraj Temple

Entrance to Lingaraj Temple

There are three iconic temples in Orissa, of which only two are still in worship. They are Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar built during the tenth century (in worship), Jagannath Temple of Puri built during the Eleventh century (in worship) and finally Sun Temple of Konark built during the 13th century. Sun temple is not in worship today and it is a declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Group of shrines inside the compound

Lingaraj Temple is situated in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. It is one of India's most ancient temple and it is said that the first structure of this temple was built in 6th century! However major portion of this temple was completed during the last decade of the 10th century! 

The vast Bindu sagar lake is the centre around which there are many temples including Lingaraj Temple.

Experts say that this temple is a specimen of the Orissan temple in its final evolution.  Its tower with its tall spire standing out prominently  is 180 feet tall. There are a large number of shrines within its compound, built during different periods and they are in various shapes and sizes. Most prominent 

among them is the Bhagavati temple dedicated to the consort of Shiva.

They say by the time Lingaraj temple was built the statuary art had advanced in Orissa by strides. The statuettes on the Lingaraj are life like and gracefully enchanting. The scenes from the two Hindu epics are carved on the walls of the temple and they are remarkable for their detail. 

The outer walls of the main structure exhibit wonderful carvings. There are beautiful sculptures of Gods and Goddess besides various poses of man and women! 

This temple will be a BIG disappointment for people who love temple photography! Because Photography is completely banned in this temple. You are not allowed to even carry a camera, mobile phone and leather belt/bag inside the temple!  

But there is a way out! On the western side of the temple is Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation's Hospital. I managed to take these pictures from the terrace of this hospital!