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Home to some of India’s most beautiful temples, Odisha also boasts many of India’s most peaceful and spiritual monasteries. These places are hidden away in beautiful and tranquil locations. A tour here can provide a glimpse of the rich monastic traditions of this land that date back centuries. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or simply an explorer, monasteries in Odisha can provide you with an enriching experience. No matter what spiritual tradition you are interested in, you will find a different flavour in Odisha’s monasteries.
6 Monasteries In Odisha
If you want to know more about the spiritual and cultural heritage, the monasteries in Odisha are a great place to start.
1. Ratnagiri Monastery
Photo: Daniel Limma / Wikimedia Commons
Ratnagiri Monastery in the Jajpur district of Odisha is one of the sites that bear witness to Odisha’s great Buddhist past. This monastery traces its existence back to the early 5th century CE. In the past, Ratnagiri was a major centre of learning and worship for Buddhist monks and scholars from across the country and beyond. It is one of the three sites in the Diamond Triangle, along with Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, that offer a window into Buddhist history. The complex is covered with intricate carvings, stupas and statues of Buddha in different poses.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Ratnagiri, Jajpur District, Odisha
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
Nearby Attractions: Udayagiri and Lalitgiri Monasteries
2. Udayagiri Monastery
Photo: Yash raina / Wikimedia Commons
Udayagiri Monastery, situated near Ratnagiri, is regarded as a major archaeological site for its 7th-century CE ruins. It includes a stupa, monasteries, and rock-cut sculptures. The name Udayagiri, which means ‘Sunrise Hill,’ provides a peaceful ambience for visitors to experience the Buddhist legacy of Odisha. Visitors can witness stone carvings of the Buddha and the Bodhisattvas, as well as a large stupa. The monastery here is quite large, and there are still remnants of cells for the monks who lived and meditated here.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Udayagiri, Jajpur District, Odisha
Entry Fee: ₹15 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Nearby Attractions: Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri Monasteries
3. Lalitgiri Monastery
Photo: Rajani3737 / Wikimedia Commons
Lalitgiri Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Indian state of Odisha, is a renowned centre of archaeology and faith. This monastery, dating from the 2nd century BCE, has revealed some of the most significant Buddhist artefacts ever found in India. This includes a stupa-like casket containing the supposed relics of the Buddha himself. The Lalitgiri complex stretches over a larger area and has several stupas, viharas, and chaityas. The large stupa is the main attraction, and it stands over the area where the sacred relic casket was found. The museum inside covers a wide range of pottery, coins, sculptures and more.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Location: Lalitgiri, Cuttack District, Odisha
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹250 for foreigners
Nearby Attractions: Ratnagiri and Udayagiri Monasteries
4. Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Photo: Sailesh Patnaik / Wikimedia Commons
Atop Dhauli Hill, overlooking the Daya River, Dhauli Shanti Stupa is as much a monastery as it is a symbol of peace and Awakening. Built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in 1972, the white-domed stupa is on the site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence after the bloody Kalinga War and became a Buddhist. The stupa is nestled in the middle of a few well-kept gardens and has several stone panels etched with scenes from the life of Buddha. The view from the hilltop is splendid, and the entire experience is one of peace and spirituality.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Dhauli Hill, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Ashokan Rock Edicts, Lingaraj Temple
5. Jirang Monastery
Photo: Shrimaanyashraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery, popularly known as Jirang Monastery, is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Eastern India. Nestled amidst the scenic hills of Chandragiri, it is a relatively recent addition to Odishan sacred sites. It has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist centres in the state. The prayer hall, the vibrant frescoes and the tall statue of Lord Buddha within are accompanied by solemn architecture throughout the monastery.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Chandragiri, Gajapati District, Odisha
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Tibetan Settlement Camp, Khasada Waterfall
6. Peace Pagoda At Dhauligiri
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
The Peace Pagoda at Dhauligiri in Bhubaneswar is another important monument in Odisha’s Buddhist landscape. This Shanti Stupa stands atop the Dhauligiri Hill and is a symbol of peace and non-violence in accord with the teachings of Lord Buddha. The white dome of the Peace Pagoda with some golden Buddha statues contrasts with the green vegetation outside, while the immediate surroundings are quiet and contemplative. The site also offers extensive views of the surrounding countryside. The Peace Pagoda is an unmissable place to visit for anyone interested in the monasteries of Odisha.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Location: Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Ashokan Rock Edicts
If Odisha is on your travel list, do make it a point to sojourn in these above-mentioned spiritual abodes. From Buddhist heritage that can be found in the excavation sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri to the Tibetan aspects of Jirang, these monasteries in Odisha offer you a serene retreat. Plan your trip to Odisha with TripXL for a seamless experience.
Cover Photo: Siarhei Nester / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
