We had visited to one of the finest place in Bhubaneswar popularly known as "The land of Kalinga War. Dhauli is located on the bank of river Daya, 8 Km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. It is almost 23 Km from the station and took us 1 hour to reach there adequately. It would be very much ease for the travelers who wish to visit here, if they have their own vehicle provided that no public transport facility is available to Shanti stupa which is 3 Km away from the NH, and you could also enjoy many attractive things without worrying about time. Tourer can easily spent 8-10 hours over their making it to a 1 day short trip.Since, the place experiences scorching summer,humid monsoon with moderate rainfall, making winter i.e(Nov-Mar) the best time to visit.
A dazzling white peace Pagoda(Shanti Stupa) is a buddhist temple & is the main attraction for the people who have interest in the fine artwork,carvings and those who believe in Lord Buddha.
It is situated on the top of the hill,the roadway that follows the temple was magnificent, the curve of the road made it more glorious.The Stupa was built by Kalinga Nippon Buddha stupa in collaboration with Japan Buddha sangha in the year 1900. Dhauli hill is believed to be the area where the Kalinga war was fought.The war was fought between the Mauryan Empire & the state of Kalinga. Because,of Ashoka, the Maurya king wanted to capture Kalinga.
Kalinga had a powerful army comprising infantry, cavalry & elephants,the consequences of the war lead to suffering of both of them but people of Kalinga suffered the most.Although, Ashoka won the war, he realized the futility of war. The war was so intense that the Daya's water had turned red with the bloodshed because of the massacre.He saw the suffering of the soldier's families. Then he vowed to never fight again & this significantly changed the belief of Ashoka & he eventually adopted Buddhism.
He left the conquest after winning the war. His responses to this war were recorded in forms of Ashoka edicts which are the rock structures with inscription on them wanting that his son & grandson never think about war. He built several Stupas, Chaityas, pillars around the town, he was also inspired by the teachings of Buddhisms.The beauty of cut caves,the ancient pillars,carving of elephants,reclining Buddha,sleeping beauty, would definitely make your visit worth the time.
There are also stand two pillars, on the entry with two Lion at the top standing as to guard the Lord.At last do not miss the sound & light show it happens for half an hour and during this period of time it describes the mighty Kalinga empire, the war and how Ashoka had transformed himself.
Many actors such as Kabir Bedi (English), Om Puri (Hindi), and Bijay Mohanty (Odia) had imparted their voices to the show.There are two shows (7 pm and 7:45 pm) and the entry charge is also very nominal of Rs 25. There is also a temple called Dhabaleswar temple which is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.It is a pilgrimage center & also provide a beautiful scenic & peaceful positive vibes!
Hope! to receive a huge Satisfactory response who had visited there & also from those who are willing to go there.