About Udayagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site
Udayagiri Buddhist Archaeological Site is the largest Buddhist complex in Odisha, located on the Udayagiri hills in Jajpur district. Part of the Diamond Triangle with Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, it was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India between 1958 and 1989. The site contains two large brick monasteries, a brick stupa, chaityagrihas, votive stupas and stone sculptures dating from the 7th to 12th century CE.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an extensive open-air excavated complex spread across two mounds (Udayagiri-1 and Udayagiri-2) with exposed brick monasteries, courtyards, a large apsidal chaitya-griha, main votive stupa, numerous smaller stupas and well-preserved stone sculptures of Buddha, Tara, Manjusri and Avalokiteshvara. The site is set on low laterite hills with landscaped surroundings, pathways between ruins, and an on-site Archaeological Museum displaying excavated sculptures, pottery and relics.
Key highlights
- 01
Largest Buddhist monastic complex in Odisha and part of the Diamond Triangle
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Two excavated brick monasteries (Madhavapura Mahavihara) with courtyards and cells
- 03
Large brick stupa and apsidal chaitya-griha with stone Buddha image
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Exquisite stone sculptures of Buddha, Tara, Manjusri, Avalokiteshvara and Jambhala