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Picnic - moments which we like to share
Last revision: 14th October 2010
1st Picnic at Dhauli
The rock outcropping on Dhauli hill at the bank of the river Daya, is a little away from the main road as one drives 8 km south of Bhubaneswar. It is the site of a set of rock edicts left by the Indian emperor Ashoka in about 260 BC.
The Orissan edicts, consisting of two special edicts not found elsewhere, are essentially public injunctions to the empire's administrators in the area, enjoining them to rule with gentleness and justice: '...these are my instructions to you. You are in charge of many thousands of living beings. You should gain the affection of men. All men are my children, and as I desire for my children that they should obtain welfare and happiness both in this world and the next, the same do I desire for all men...' The elephant which emerges from the rock above the inscription was probably meant to draw attention to the edict, and to serve as a symbol. Elephants are frequently associated with the Buddha, either as the form in which he is believed to have entered his mother's womb, as the form the Buddha assumed in a previous incarnation, or as the sacred symbol of Buddhism itself.
The serenity of the place and the legacy of Buddhism motivated the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, under the guidance of Guruji Fujii, Founder President of Nipponzan Myohoji of Japan to establish a Peace Pagoda or Shanti Stupa at Dhauli along with the construction of the monastery called Saddharma Vihar in early seventies of 19th century. Along with the Ashokan Edicts, the Peace Pagoda and modern Buddhist Monastery, Dhauli offers the visitors small-rock cut caves, Hindu temples of early medieval period and a renovated Siva temple known as Dhavalesvara on top of the hill are added attractions.
The sculptural and architectural richness of the Buddhist heritage of Orissa, is simply bewitching. The Buddhist religion traces its genesis and foundation, in actual terms, from this very state. Situated at 8 km from Bhubaneswar on the banks of the Daya river, the Dhauli hill stands in mute avowal to the history making Kalinga war, fought in the 3rd century BC. The great wave of Buddhism, that overwhelmed the whole world, was born here. Ashoka, petrified by the morbid aftermath of the war, discarded the world of mischief and materialism, in favor of the realm of spiritual salvation and self-enlightenment. Thus, was born the greatest patron Buddhism has ever known. He embraced Buddhism and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of non-violence. Defying a fine degree of sophistication, these rock edicts also narrate Ashoka's philosophy of life.
Dhauli is known for its Ashokan rock edicts, crowned by a relief illustrating an elephant. Carvings of the head and forelegs of the elephant emerging from the rock endures the spot where the great transformation of Ashoka happened and symbolizes the birth of Buddha (the enlightened) and the emergence of Buddhism. Said to be the oldest rock cut sculpture in India (3rd century B.C.), these contain 11 of the 14 rock edicts to be found, within the arena of the Ashokan Empire. Ashoka carved his edicts into a rock 5 meters by 3 meters, which are still remarkably clear even after 2000 years.
The peace pagoda at Dhauli remains at the top of the tourist's list for the exquisite structure of the stupa and the monastery near it. The Saddharma Vihar monastery and the Shanti Stupa make the Buddhist pilgrim a special attraction and a place to feel eternal peace of consciousness. Built by Kalinga Nippon, Buddha Sangha, in the early seventies, with the influence of Guruji Fuji, founder president of Nipponzan Myohoji of Japan, this stupa adds a charisma to this important Buddhist destination. From here, one can enjoy the idyllic landscape of the Daya river, winding its way through the paddy fields which indeed enlightens ones soul with sublime tranquility and meditative serenity.
Ist Picnic Video
IInd Picnic Video
3rd Picnic at Konrak
- Konark Sun Temple
Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of Orissa. Konark, Konark houses a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists.
Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived form the words Kona - Corner and Arka - Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra.
This temple built in 1278 CE by the Ganga King Narasimha Deva is one of the grandest temples of India and was referred to as the Black Pagoda. The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring.
Legend has it that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Krishna's wifes, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be relieved of the curse by worshipping the sun God on the sea coast north east of Puri. Accordingly Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra and discovered an image of Surya seated on the lotus, worshipped him and was relieved of his curse.
It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local beleif has it that it was constructed in entirety, however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore, and that the dome was removed and destroyed and that the image of the Sun God was taken to Puri.
The Temple: The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.
The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
The Melakkadambur Shiva temple, built in the form of a chariot during the age of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120), is the earliest of this kind, and is still in a well preserved state. It is believed that this temple set the pace for the ratha (chariot) vimana temples in India, as a distant descendant of Kulottunga I on the female line, and thefamous Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva, built the Sun Temple at Konark in the form of a chariot in the 13th century. Kulottunga Chola is also credited with having built the Suryanaar temple near Kumbhakonam. Temples dedicated to the Sun are not a common feature in the Tamil speaking region of the Indian subcontinent.
