Tracing Buddhist Heritage In Odisha’s Ratnagiri and Udayagiri

Culture and heritage enthusiasts got an opportunity to delve into Buddhist heritage when they participated in a one- of-its-kind exploring tour aptly named Gautama Gatha Tour on December 22. They went to Ratnagiri Buddhist monastery, Ratnagiri ASI Museum and Udayagiri Buddhist Monastery. 

Established more than 1500 years ago, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri Buddhist monasteries were the centre of Buddhist cultural activities and growth. According to some eminent historians, these sites were also part of the lost Puspagiri Mahavihar. The first stop was at Ratnagiri (hill of jewels) at Bari block of Jajpur district. It is better known for the elaborately carved chlorite doorway at the entrance of on one of the monasteries there. A lot of antiquities were discovered here during the excavations including monastic complexes, statues of Buddha,  Tara, Manjusri,  Avalokiteśvara,  Jatamukuta Lokesvara and many terracotta (earthenware) seals, said Taranisen Pattnaik, one of the organisers.

The team then moved towards the recently made Ratnagiri Museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Some of the excavated artefacts have now been shifted to this museum for safety and display. The last stop was in the lap of hilly Udayagiri area. Interactive discussion among the participants sprung up every now and then while the team showed everyone around the heritage sites. “I didn’t know about such monasteries and they are so old. The government should try to boost tourism there,” said Maria Belgrave, one of the participants.

“The hundreds of small votive stupas at Ratnagiri suggest it was an important site for pilgrimage, and it is really fascinating to come and see these important things. Ratnagiri museum is also a treasure trove for all heritage enthusiasts and lovers,” said R.C. Dhal. It is very important to preserve such places as these are an important part of Buddhist heritage and also our history, which is mostly unknown to all of us, said Anirban Bhattacharya during his maiden tour with Aitiha. It was mutually felt that such ancient Buddhist sites need to be highlighted on a pan India basis and the Buddhist circuit can be developed for tourism.

Aitiha is an initiative to promote heritage and culture through guided tours and trails. Founded by a dedicated team from the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Aitiha’s sole motto is to make more people aware of the lesser known sites along with the popular ones, be it heritage, culture or nature.