Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/3QNTOSV1FyE
References: Wikipedia
https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/discover/attractions/buddhist-sites/lalitgiri.html
https://odishatourisms.com/tour-item/lalitgiri/
Location: “Lalitagiri Buddhist Complex, H7R2+4X2,
Lalitagiri, Odisha 754206”
Lalitgiri lies between the valley of two rivers Birupa
and Chitrotpala. Also known as Naltigiri amongst the locals, Lalitgiri is the
oldest of the Buddhist Diamond Triangle triad as they are referred to in
Odisha. The monastery built in the 1st Century AD is the oldest known Buddhist
monastery in the state. Lalitagiri is a major center of Buddhism hemmed between
the Parabhadi and Landa sandstone hills in the standalone Assian hill range. It
is situated in the Mahanga Tahsil in Cuttack district.
History
of Lalitagiri site
The site was discovered in 1905 but first real
excavations began only by 1985, based on the chornicles of Chinese Travellers
Hieun Tsang. Even today sporadic excavations are being carried out. The
findings indicate the Monastery propagated both the Hinayana Sect of Buddhism
(name for schools of the earliest Buddhist doctrine) and Mahayana sect of
Buddhism (a path where a follower seeks enlightenment for the benefit of all
sentient beings). Later on under the influence of Bhaumakara King’s it embraced
Vajrayana sect of Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism). Thus the monastery survived till
the 13th century AD.
The excavations at the site revealed: a Mahastupa atop
a hill, Chityagrahas (Prayer hall), many votive stupas and many more
sculptures. Relic casket which comprised of four
containers made of Khondalite, Steatite, Silver and Gold were found leading to
the speculations that these were relics of Lord Buddha. These were 2 in numbers
and were like Chinese puzzle boxes, the first findings of such type in Eastern
India. The gold casket contained a relic or dhatu in the form of a piece of
bone.
Another interesting find is that of an east
facing apsidal chaityagriha,
built of bricks. This edifice, the first such Buddhist structure found in
Odisha, contains a circular stupa at
its center. Also found were a series of Kushana Brahmi inscriptions
made on shells with cuts on moonstone at the periphery of the edifice. Another
find is a piece of a pillar railing with a lens-shaped decoration with the
theme of a half lotus medallion. From these finds it is inferred that such
structures belonged from the early Christian era to
6th–7th century period.
There are overall 4 monasteries adjacent and opposite
to each other, one at a slight distance (the first one). The first and the
largest monastery, facing east, a two storied structure measuring 36 square
metres, adjoining which is at the rear end is a rainwater cistern built of
bricks. The second monastery, in the northern extremity of the hill, is
believed to have been built when Buddhism was
losing its importance in Lalitgiri. The third monastery faces south-east and
has dimensions of 28 by 27 metres with a central open space and represents
the end stages of apsidal chaitya. The fourth monastery, 30 square metres in
size and hosts many large sized Buddha heads deified in the sanctum sanctorum.
A terracotta monastic seal with the inscription "Sri Chandraditya Vihara
Samagra Arya Vikshu Sanghasa" is dated to the 9th–10th century AD.
Other artefacts found include: images of Buddha in
different medidative forms from the Mahayana Buddhism period, gold pendant,
silver jewellery, stone tablets with impressions of Ganesha and
Mahishasurmardini, seat of matrix-cum pendant, small image of Avalokiteshvara,
Images of Tara in the form of Tara Kurukulla, images of Hariti (once a child
abductor, later became a child protector) portraying the goddess in a seated
position, breast feeding a child or with a child in her lap.
Inscriptions belonging to the post Mauryan
period to 8th–9th century AD, which indicate that Buddhists
belonging to the Hinayana and
Mahayana sects lived here. The last occupation is believed to be identified as
belonging to the Vajrayayan (Tantric period of Buddhism) during the reign of
Bhauma-Kara dynasty (8th-10th century)
There is a museum located inside the monastery complex
which houses artefacts recovered during the excavation of the site. On display
are spellbinding statues of Buddha, Boddhisattva and statues of Tara, Jambhala
amongst others. Interestingly, most of these sculptures contain short
inscriptions on them. The Standing Buddha figures, with knee length draperies
over the shoulders remind one of the influence of the Gandhara and Mathura
school of art.
Timings
and charges:
Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Parking Charges: Free
Lalitagiri is the most well maintained and managed
site amongst all the 3
How
to Reach:
By Road: Nearest bus stand is Balichandrapur around
4.5 KMs from the site. Self-drive is the best way to reach the site if you are
staying in Jajpur or Cuttack or Bhubaneshwar. Hired cabs can be taken from Balichandrapur
or from Jajpur (45 KMs) or Bhubaneshwar (73 KMs).
By Rail: Nearest major railway station is Cuttack
(around 48 KMs) which has connectivity to major areas in Orissa and other parts
of the country too.
By Air: Nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar (around 75
KMs)
Parking
and Photography
Dedicated parking is available at the site. There is
no problem at all.
There is no restriction to photography. Drones are
strictly restricted, the main stupa at the top has a security personal. And
there is security available around too.
Staying
options
Jajpur and Cuttack are the nearest cities where good
stay options are available. Depending on the travel plan of visiting locations
either Cuttack or Jajpur can be selected as stay options. Both Cuttack and
Jajpur has many places to visit around. We stayed at Jajpur and can recommend
Hotel Mirabel at Byasanagar, which is a very good hotel for stay at a very
descent rate. Check the prices online for the lowest price and then negotiate
at hotel for over the counter booking.