Dhauli is a famous place located about 8km south of the capital city of Odisha Bhubaneswar. Dhauli has been constructed on the bank of the Daya River. It's a beautiful hill with an ample amount of open space surrounding it. The place is very popular as a peace pagoda. Lord Buddha worshipped here since 1972. The site is so quiet and a must-visit place. The marvelous Shanti Stupa is a domed shaped structure. One can find some beautiful statues of Lord Buddha in different positions Dharma wheel, footprints of Buddha, Bodhi tree. A picture is there where Samrat Ashok is offering his sword to Lord Buddha. The mesmerizing view of the river Daya from the top of Dhauli is just heart touching. A light and sound show also held in Dhauli during the evening time. The show only explains beautifully the history of Dhauli and the glory of the ancient Kalinga Empire. Behind Dhauli hill, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the name of Dhabaleswar is there, and the temple was constructed around 1972.
According to the legends, Dhauli is the historical place where the ancient Kalinga war was fought in 262BC under the region of great Emporer Ashok. It was one of the dangerous and furious wars in Indian history. This battle took the lives of around thousands of soldiers. According to the legends, the battles as so cruel that the entire water of river Daya flowing adjunct to Dhauli has turned red with human blood.
After the end of the war king, Ashok went to the hill to take some rest on the hill, but unfortunately, he saw the massive amount of destruction of the glorious city due to the war, and he felt sad for the first time. He thought himself what he has done is not right. Then this effect brought a dramatic change in his life, and he became a part of the Buddhist religion and promoted the thoughts of peace all around the world. After this incident, cruel Ashok slowly gained the name Dharma Ashok.
Ashok built several Inscriptions, stupas, pillars during his stay in Dhauli, and these are specially meant for spreading the messages of Buddhism. Dhauli also became a vital center for Buddism activities.it is believed that Emporer Ashok has built about 84000 stupas all around the world with the purpose of promoting peace and nonviolence.
In Dhauli there is a monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India preserved some of the major rock edicts of Emporer Ashok which was written in 3rd century BC. In those rock edicts numbers were also included. These rock edicts were written in Brahmi script and explain the views and ideas of Ashok about Dharma, social and moral values, and some significant points of Buddism. Near the huge rock edict, a rock-cut elephant is there this represents the rich craft during that period and Mauryan art.
Mahabhikshu Nichiren of Japan predicted 700 years ago that Buddhist culture would return to its land India, 2500 years after the death of Lord Buddha. This prediction became true when Nichidast Fujii, famous as Fujii Guruji, came to India from Mount Minobu in 1930. He used to chant lotus Sutra Na-Mu-Myo-Ho-Ren_Gye-Kyo the cental thought of Nichiren Buddhism. Fujii Gurijii also joined the non-violence movement started by Mahatma Gandhiji. He also stayed in the Wardha ashram of Gandhiji and used to chant this mantra. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru formed the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha and invited Fujii Guruji to this historical location as the site for this peace pagoda.
The primary attraction is the Dhauli Shanti Stupa. It is the Buddhist Peace Pagoda. The white dome has detailed carvings and artworks. Ashoka Rock Edicts depicts the exceptional skills of architects in that era. Dhabaleswar and Bahirangeswar temple have holy and historical significance devoted to Lord Shiva. The whole region has a serene quotient and beautiful appeal.
Dhauli can be visited at any hour. But the best time to visit is in the evening around 5 pm. A light and sound show depicting the Life of King Ashoka and his transformation from Chandasoka to Dharamasoka is projected. The timings are 7:00 pm to 7:35 pm and from 7:45 pm to 8:20 pm with an entry fee of 25 rupees per person. The show remains closed on Monday.
Dhauli is well connected with the capital city Bhubaneswar which is just 14 km. Bus Services is readily available from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. OSRTDC is one such service. Even hiring cabs is a good option. The nearest station is Bhubaneswar Railway Station at a distance of 33 km. Biju Patnaik International Aiport is the nearest airport which can connect to Dhauli .