Dhauli Shanti Stupa Tourism

Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is located on the Dhauli hill on the banks of the River Daya, about 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. It is a significant edifice of peace and a symbol of Buddhism. The Stupa was built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration, under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, the founder of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order. It is said that the ancient Kalinga War, which prompted the transformation of Emperor Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and non-violence, took place in the vicinity. The stupa is remarkable for its white peace pagoda at the top of the hill, which is embellished with stone panels depicting the life of the Buddha. The elephant atop the edifice symbolizes the Buddha's descent from heaven. The site also has Ashokan edicts and is considered a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The whole area is serene and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding plains and a glimpse into the historicity of the place.