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DHAULI : THE PARADISE OF PEACE
It was a soothing morning in the winter. I got ready in my mission to visit the famous 'Dhauligiri' in a short trip. For this, I and one of my colleagues got ready early in the morning, finished our breakfasts and started our journey. It was a chilled morning in the month of December. Cold breeze of the night was not disappeared completely. The feeling of cold wind with tinkling rays of the soft sun was making our initial journey so enchanting.
After half an hour journey from Bhubaneswar , we reached at the Dhauli, the place which is known for 'worship of peace' all over the world. The magnificent beauty of the 'White Pagoda' completely enchanted us. The name Dhauli Giri signifies 'Dhauli'(something related to white) and 'Giri'(hills). This is located on the bank of the river Daya, which is flowing 8 km south of Bhubaneswar; the capital city of Odisha.
Edicts of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka engraved on masses of rocks have a chief attraction here. Historical significance of this place depicts the devastating scene of the Kalinga War here which is believed to be fought in 262 BC . It is heard that the water of river Daya had changed into blood red after the massive massacre of lots of soldiers. This notorious brutality had put an impact on Ashoka's mind that resulted in a drastic change. He finally converted himself from 'Chandashoka' to ' Dharmashoka'. Ashoka had a special weakness for Dhauli, as it enabled Ashoka to realize the magnitude of horror associated with war. He saw to it that Dhauli became an important centre of Buddhist activities. He built several chaityas, stupas and pillars there. He got abodes excavated for the recluse, instructions inscribed for officials, expounded the main principles of dandaniti (strict enforcement of laws) for the public, provided special status to his new kingdom including the stupas at Dhauli.
Many Buddhists statues in different postures can be seen here. Lots of spiritual lines , hymns related to Buddhism are also found enscripted on rocks and walls of this area.
From lithological point of view, the area is a part of Eastern Ghats terrains that extends from Jajpur district in the north upto Gajapati district in the south in a NE - SW trend. The eastern ghat super group comprises of rocks like khondalite, charnokite, quartzite, leptynite, gratitoids ,basic granulites etc.
Dhauli giri is situated on the flat top of a hill called Dhauli. A lot of infrastructures and areas can be seen from the top of the hill. The bank of river Daya, the Koushalyaganga ,the CIFA head office can be seen from it.
After the visit, we took some coconut water and returned home in the afternoon. Although it was a short trip ;but it had left an indelible mark of plethora of peace in my mind. I don't hesitate at all to call this place ' the Paradise of Peace'.
A blog by:
SARTHAK PRADHAN
EMAIL - sarthakpradhan1996@gmail.com
