Buddhism may boost Spiritual Tourism in Odisha

By Neel Achary: Spiritual tourism has been flourishing across the globe as the large numbers of tourists have been gaining interest in it to attain Zen (peace) during the visit or stay at any destination to experience the spiritual healing touch to their souls.

No doubt, India is one of the top destinations in the world for spiritual tourism, where many religions have been still flourishing. Buddhism is one of the religions that attracts many tourists every year to India giving a push to spiritual tourism and spiritual healing.

Among others, the state of Odisha in the country is well known for the Buddhist tourism, which has high potential to become spiritual tourist hub in India. Many foreigners do visit the state located in the eastern part of the country to witness its glorious historical places and tourist attractions. Since the inception of the Buddhism, Odisha has been under strong influence, the innumerable stupas, viharas (monasteries) and images found across the state testify to its long heritage.

Scholars in the state believe that though Lord Buddha never visited Odisha during his life-time, but the state possesses Buddhist heritage since its inception in 6th century B.C. Two rich traders – Tapassu and Bhallika of Odisha had brought Buddha’s Kesa Asthi to Odra, Odisha was know by this name by then, as per Buddhist Chronicles.

Stone work after death of Lord Buddha, the religion was divided into two sects – ‘Hinayana’ and ‘Mahayana’. In Odisha, the Mahayana flourished as various Mahayanic antiquities are seen in Jajpur and other parts of the state. Jajpur was a sacred land of Buddha Padmaprabha, the place was also known as ‘Biraja’ in ancient times.

Between the 8th to 10th century, Buddhism was the state religion under the rule of Bhaumakara dynasty, which controlled the coastal areas of Kalinga and all most parts of the modern Odisha. It is believed that during their rule Mahayana Buddhism flourished in the state and impact was lasted till 15th century. There are many monuments present in the state to testify this heritage in Odisha.

Many tourists visit Odisha’s to Buddhist Triangle — popularly known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, comprising of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udyagiri. Scholars believe that there are many places and cites yet to be explored in the state, where the practice of Buddhism is still being practiced today.

In the state, Shanti Stupa at Dhauli hill on the bank of River Daya is one of the famous Buddhist sites and prime attractions for tourists. The walls scripture there narrate the story of the Kalinga war that changed emperor Ashoka to Dharma Ashoka from Buddhaom Chandaashoka. Abandoning the war, the emperor put all his efforts for spreading Buddhism across the world.

In the tourism arena, Odisha has a prominent position due to its Buddhist monuments and sites. Buddhism could be a big push for the spiritual tourism in Odisha. The state was under influence of Buddhism till 15th century and, of late, influence of Buddhism making Odisha as one of the special states in the country where tourists want to visit and feel the influence of the Buddhism that preached ‘peace and Zen Living’.

Essence of Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy can be attained through various monuments present in Odisha, and those could give a healing touch to tiered souls.