Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Bhubaneswar) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, is a significant Buddhist monument located on Dhauli Hill in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It was built through a collaborative effort by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in the 1970s to commemorate the transformative battle of Kalinga, after which Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and spread its principles of peace and non-violence.

Dhauli Hill is believed to be the area where the ancient Kalinga War took place in 261 BCE. This brutal conflict had a profound impact on Emperor Ashoka, leading to his conversion to Buddhism. Subsequently, Ashoka is known to have erected several edicts promoting the principles of Buddhism, with some believed to be inscribed in the area surrounding Dhauli Hill.

Tourists visiting Dhauli Shanti Stupa can observe the white peace pagoda adorned with stone panels depicting the life of the Buddha, including his birth, enlightenment, and death. The pagoda also features sculptures of the Buddha in various postures, Ashoka's edicts, and a carved elephant that symbolizes the one that appeared in Queen Maya's dream before the birth of the Buddha. Additionally, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop.