Dhauli Shanti Stupa, located on the serene Dhauli Hills near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a sacred monument that stands as a symbol of peace, transformation, and spiritual awakening. It marks the historic site where the brutal Kalinga War moved Emperor Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and dedicate his life to non-violence and dharma. This white-domed stupa not only offers religious and cultural significance but also provides panoramic views and a calm, meditative atmosphere that attracts pilgrims, historians, and travelers alike.
About Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a significant Buddhist monument located about 8 km south of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, along the banks of the Daya River. This site marks the historic location where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence after witnessing the devastation of the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and embraced Buddhism.Built in 1972 through a collaboration between the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, the white-domed stupa symbolizes peace and harmony.
Description:
The Dhauli Shanti Stupa is a magnificent white dome-shaped structure built in 1972 through the joint efforts of the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. Its architecture is deeply symbolic, featuring four niches with statues of the Buddha in various postures and stone panels depicting significant events from his life and teachings. The stupa is topped with five umbrella-shaped extensions representing core Buddhist ideologies
Special Features of the Buddhist Temple
Historic Significance: Commemorates Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
Architectural Marvel: A beautifully designed white-domed structure with stone panels depicting Lord Buddha’s life, his footprints, and the Bodhi tree.
Ashokan Rock Edicts: Nearby inscriptions carved by Ashoka promoting Dhamma (moral teachings).
Panoramic View: Overlooks the Daya River, where the Kalinga War was fought.
Rock-Cut Elephant Sculpture: Considered one of the oldest Buddhist sculptures in India.
Temple Address & Location Coordinates
Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Dhauli Hills, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002, India
Latitude: 20.1827° N, Longitude: 85.8393° E
Temple Timings & Services
Timings: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sevas & Activities:
No specific rituals, but visitors can meditate and participate in communal prayers.
Special Buddha Purnima celebrations and Kalinga Mahotsav events.
How to Reach Dhauli Shanti Stupa?
By Road
Regular OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) buses run from Bhubaneswar.
Private taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws are also available.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station:
Bhubaneswar Railway Station (10 km away)
Well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore.
By Air
Nearest Airport:
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (10 km away)
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Travel Facilities
Bus Routes: Regular buses available from Bhubaneswar Master Canteen Bus Stand.
Train Routes: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the closest hub.
Airways: Direct flights to Bhubaneswar from major Indian cities.
Nearby Attractions & Must-Visit Places
Ashokan Rock Edicts (1 km)
Ancient inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka promoting peace and non-violence.
Lingaraj Temple (10 km)
A famous 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Mukteswara Temple (9 km)
Renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and arched gateway.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves (14 km)
Ancient Jain rock-cut caves from the 2nd century BCE.
Rajarani Temple (10 km)
Famous for its red sandstone carvings.
Nandankanan Zoological Park (25 km)
Home to White Tigers and Lion Safaris.
Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary (35 km)
Best for wildlife lovers and eco-tourism.
Konark Sun Temple (70 km)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, depicting the chariot of the Sun God.
Puri Jagannath Temple (60 km)
One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites of Hinduism.
Chilika Lake (100 km)
Largest brackish water lagoon in Asia – ideal for birdwatching and dolphin spotting.
Accommodation (Stay Facilities)
Dhauli itself has limited stay options, so visitors prefer staying in Bhubaneswar.
Luxury Hotels:
Mayfair Lagoon
Swosti Premium
Trident Bhubaneswar
Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:
Ginger Bhubaneswar
Hotel Kalinga Ashok
Hotel Hindustan International (HHI)
Eco-Stays & Resorts:
Nature Camps at Chandaka-Dampara Sanctuary
Chilika Lake Eco-Resorts
Food Facilities & Shopping
Local Cuisine to Try
Dalma – Lentils with vegetables.
Pakhala Bhata – Fermented rice with curd (popular in summer).
Chhena Poda – A baked cheese dessert.
Macha Ghanta – Fish curry.
Santula – A mild vegetable stew.
Best Places to Eat:
Dalma Restaurant (Authentic Odia cuisine)
Odisha Hotel (Traditional Odia thali)
Mayfair Lagoon Restaurants (Fine dining)
Shopping & Famous Handicrafts
Famous for:
Silver Filigree Work – Intricate silver jewelry.
Pipli Appliqué Work – Colorful wall hangings and umbrellas.
Sambalpuri Sarees – Traditional handwoven silk and cotton sarees.
Palm Leaf Engravings – Religious scripts and artwork.
Where to Buy
Ekamra Haat – Handicrafts and souvenirs.
Unit-2 Market Building – Traditional sarees and fabrics.
Utkalika (Government Emporium) – Authentic handcrafted items.
Best Time to Visit Dhauli
October to March (Winter & Pleasant Weather)
Avoid April - June (Summer) due to high temperatures (above 40°C).
Major Festivals & Cultural Events
Kalinga Mahotsav (Jan-Feb)
A festival celebrating martial arts and classical dance performances.
Buddha Purnima (April-May)
Special meditation sessions and prayers at the stupa.
Rath Yatra (June-July in Puri)
The famous Jagannath Chariot Festival, 60 km from Dhauli.
