Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation
Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation
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Soudamini Mohapatra
Bengaluru, India1,504 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Ratnagiri monastery is located in the Jajpur district of Odisha, about 100 km from Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar. It's a lesser known architectural wonder of the Buddhist era in Odisha. It has a number of stupas, monasteries, shrines, temples and statues of Buddha which are truly magnificent. The stone sculpture of Buddha's head of various sizes and the serene meditative expression of Buddha are something unique.
The Buddhist establishment of Ratnagiri probably started in the 5th century during the Gupta dynasty and flourished until the 13th century and continued till the 16th century. The Ratnagiri site was discovered in 1905 and excavated between 1958-1961. This magnificent structure is unknown to the world and mostly visited by the locals. Unfortunately it is thoroughly neglected with garbage all around. I would like to visit this place again and again.
The Buddhist establishment of Ratnagiri probably started in the 5th century during the Gupta dynasty and flourished until the 13th century and continued till the 16th century. The Ratnagiri site was discovered in 1905 and excavated between 1958-1961. This magnificent structure is unknown to the world and mostly visited by the locals. Unfortunately it is thoroughly neglected with garbage all around. I would like to visit this place again and again.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Profvns
Bengaluru, India545 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Ratnagiri means hill of pearls or the hill of jewels. Ratnagiri is in Jajpur district at 100 km away from Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa in India. The NH-5 forms into a Buddhist diamond triangle comprising two other sites that is Lalitgiri and Udayagiri. This is an ancient Buddhist remains laying on the top of the hill in between two rivers Brahmani and Birupa.
You may wonder to see the remains of a magnificent Buddhist establishment consisting of a stupa, monastic complex, shrines, votive stupas, myriad of sculptures, architectural fragments and other antiquities excavated here that have come to light now. Some have compared this site to the well acknowledged Buddhist site of Nalanda.
The structural remains of a large brick stupa No.1 (Mahastupa) is found situated on the south-western flank of the peak from where one can see up to a long distance. The stupa stands on a square base but its superstructure is partially not seen. The area around the stupa is covered with many other stupas of different size. They are made up of brick and some by stone. There is tank known as ‘Ranipokhari’ or queen’s tank at the north of Mahastupa. There appear spectacular remains of two monasteries side by side, facing Mahastupa.
We can see the beautifully carved Goddess Gaja-Lakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi with elephants) on the door. It reveals an expert craftsmanship in its artistic liveliness with graceful charm. There are many such wonderful items unearthed by the excavators to through light on the hither to unknown facts to the historians.
It is said that this excavation has yielded a rich crop of antiquities including the stone and bronze images of Buddha and a mass of other divinities similar to Tara, Lokesvara, Vajrapani, Padmapani Aparajita, Heruka, Sambhara and Hariti etc. The excavation was conducted during 1958 and 1961. It has revealed many uniqueness of Ratnagiri Buddhist site. By this excavation a large number of sculptures, inscribed slabs, terracota seals, votive stupas and an elaborate Buddhist monastic establishment have come to light. A large number of clay sealing, found during excavations, bearing the legend Shri Ratnagiri Mahavihariya Arya Bhikshu Samghasya have helped in identifying the name of Ratnagiri monastery.
These excavated remains can be seen on open site from sunrise to sunset. Entry fee is payable for Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 5 per head and foreign visitor is Rs. 100.00 or US $ 2.00. The child visitors less than 15 years need not pay any charge.
Ratnagiri is located at 80 to 85 km from Bhubaneswar in the dist Jajpur. So far 3400 listed antiquities from which 220-250 are displayed in the gallery of Ratnagiri Museum. The Archaeological museum of Ratnagiri is open on all days from 10am to 5pm except Friday. You may consider visiting this historical spot during December to February
which is considered to be the best time to visit.
The convenient way to go to this spot is by Tourist buses or by private vehicle from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack. Suitable good and accommodation are available for limited tourists at Udayagiri site only. You may have better options to make your trip form Cuttack or Bhubaneswar itself.
You may wonder to see the remains of a magnificent Buddhist establishment consisting of a stupa, monastic complex, shrines, votive stupas, myriad of sculptures, architectural fragments and other antiquities excavated here that have come to light now. Some have compared this site to the well acknowledged Buddhist site of Nalanda.
The structural remains of a large brick stupa No.1 (Mahastupa) is found situated on the south-western flank of the peak from where one can see up to a long distance. The stupa stands on a square base but its superstructure is partially not seen. The area around the stupa is covered with many other stupas of different size. They are made up of brick and some by stone. There is tank known as ‘Ranipokhari’ or queen’s tank at the north of Mahastupa. There appear spectacular remains of two monasteries side by side, facing Mahastupa.
We can see the beautifully carved Goddess Gaja-Lakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi with elephants) on the door. It reveals an expert craftsmanship in its artistic liveliness with graceful charm. There are many such wonderful items unearthed by the excavators to through light on the hither to unknown facts to the historians.
It is said that this excavation has yielded a rich crop of antiquities including the stone and bronze images of Buddha and a mass of other divinities similar to Tara, Lokesvara, Vajrapani, Padmapani Aparajita, Heruka, Sambhara and Hariti etc. The excavation was conducted during 1958 and 1961. It has revealed many uniqueness of Ratnagiri Buddhist site. By this excavation a large number of sculptures, inscribed slabs, terracota seals, votive stupas and an elaborate Buddhist monastic establishment have come to light. A large number of clay sealing, found during excavations, bearing the legend Shri Ratnagiri Mahavihariya Arya Bhikshu Samghasya have helped in identifying the name of Ratnagiri monastery.
These excavated remains can be seen on open site from sunrise to sunset. Entry fee is payable for Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 5 per head and foreign visitor is Rs. 100.00 or US $ 2.00. The child visitors less than 15 years need not pay any charge.
Ratnagiri is located at 80 to 85 km from Bhubaneswar in the dist Jajpur. So far 3400 listed antiquities from which 220-250 are displayed in the gallery of Ratnagiri Museum. The Archaeological museum of Ratnagiri is open on all days from 10am to 5pm except Friday. You may consider visiting this historical spot during December to February
which is considered to be the best time to visit.
The convenient way to go to this spot is by Tourist buses or by private vehicle from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack. Suitable good and accommodation are available for limited tourists at Udayagiri site only. You may have better options to make your trip form Cuttack or Bhubaneswar itself.
Written 18 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKBP
Bhubaneswar37 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Odisha's Budddhist heritage dates back to 3rd. Century BC. Buddhism took a strong root in ancient Odisha under patronage of great Kings like Ashok. The Buddhist monastries and places of learnings including a University at Pushpagiri (currently known as Langudi hills) were established in many places, mostly by the followers of Mahayana and Vajrayana sects. Many a great scholars from across the globe visited these places to study . The remains of the monasteries are a treasure for lovers of Art & Archeology. They are mainly spread over four sites in Odisha namely Langudi, Lalitgiri, Ratnagairi and Udayagiri. Ratnagiri has a lot to offer for the connoisseurs of ancient Budddhist traditions including a well managed Museum and excavated sites.
Written 28 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ankur Panchbudhe
Pune, India1,484 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Ratnagiri is part of the "diamond triangle" - the three tourist sites of Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, 10-20 KMs from each other and about 90 KM from Bhubaneshwar (~2 hours, near Jajpur). It's not very popular yet (even our driver was unaware), but the Odisha government and ASI seem to be working on improving that situation.
The road from Bhubaneshwar to this place (via Cuttack and Chandikhol) is in very good condition - first an excellent national highway till Chandikhol and then another good highway towards Paradeep and then decent internal / rural roads. After the right turn at Chandikhol, all roads to these sites are marked by big blue tourist boards. Once you leave the highway, you can see rural Odisha in all its glory with vast fields of paddy on both sides, white lilies and pink lotuses, lush green forests and people going about their daily business.
The main attraction in Ratnagiri are the (relatively recently) excavated ruins of an ancient buddhist monastery (same age & scale as Nalanda in Bihar). The brick monastery contains lots of beautiful stone carvings, big & small stone statues and big faces of Buddha on the walls, on doorways, on pillars and on many small & big stupas. There are also the remains of an ancient ornamental gateway, with intricate and detailed carvings, bang in the middle of the compound.
A large ("maha") stupa is also nearby (it looks like a hillock), surrounded by hundreds of smaller and even tiny stupas, some arranged neatly in circles. This area is not as clean as the monastery building, but it's an experience walking through and around it with overgrown trees and dense grass. A more modern Shiva temple is also present just below the hill.
We wandered around the ancient buildings and on top of them (great views) for around an hour - many small & beautiful details here and there. There was no one apart from us in the whole site (most of the time). We also visited the museum nearby, which was just okay - the staff seems to be apathetic.
The ruins themselves are well maintained and kept clean, but the facilities at the site could be better. There were no toilets, no shops and no eateries (except in a basic hotel nearby) - so, remember to carry lots of water and some food (don't litter though). There are also no guides.
The road from Bhubaneshwar to this place (via Cuttack and Chandikhol) is in very good condition - first an excellent national highway till Chandikhol and then another good highway towards Paradeep and then decent internal / rural roads. After the right turn at Chandikhol, all roads to these sites are marked by big blue tourist boards. Once you leave the highway, you can see rural Odisha in all its glory with vast fields of paddy on both sides, white lilies and pink lotuses, lush green forests and people going about their daily business.
The main attraction in Ratnagiri are the (relatively recently) excavated ruins of an ancient buddhist monastery (same age & scale as Nalanda in Bihar). The brick monastery contains lots of beautiful stone carvings, big & small stone statues and big faces of Buddha on the walls, on doorways, on pillars and on many small & big stupas. There are also the remains of an ancient ornamental gateway, with intricate and detailed carvings, bang in the middle of the compound.
A large ("maha") stupa is also nearby (it looks like a hillock), surrounded by hundreds of smaller and even tiny stupas, some arranged neatly in circles. This area is not as clean as the monastery building, but it's an experience walking through and around it with overgrown trees and dense grass. A more modern Shiva temple is also present just below the hill.
We wandered around the ancient buildings and on top of them (great views) for around an hour - many small & beautiful details here and there. There was no one apart from us in the whole site (most of the time). We also visited the museum nearby, which was just okay - the staff seems to be apathetic.
The ruins themselves are well maintained and kept clean, but the facilities at the site could be better. There were no toilets, no shops and no eateries (except in a basic hotel nearby) - so, remember to carry lots of water and some food (don't litter though). There are also no guides.
Written 6 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Urna27
Kolkata (Calcutta), India24 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
This was like going back on the time machine. We climbed to the top and looked at the strange curvings made for puja centuries ago, the forest behind the main caves, the place where the monks rested and where they preached, the cave of boar and tiger and elephant. It was awe inspiring.
Written 29 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soumyas933
Bhubaneswar, India18 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
I visited this place last week.it is located around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. It has three historic Buddhist sites,Udaygiri,Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri. Ratnagiri is the most prominent location housing buddhist stupas and ruins of monasteries dating back to 8-10th century. It also has a nice musuem maintained by ASI. Udaygiri and Lalitgiri also have such stupas .A stone stepped well in Udaygiri is a star attraction. Loved these places. Good for a weekend outing
Written 17 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
None I
269 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
Ratnagiri is located about 80 Kilometres from Odisha state capital Bhubaneswar. Excavation work is still in progress at Ratnagiri site. So far the excavations have unearthed pieces of sculpture and remains which suggest that there was a large operating Buddhist monastery at this place in the ancient period. Statues of Buddha and Buddhist monks - Vajrapani and Padmapani have been found. Also, several pitchers and house hold articles made in stone have been discovered during excavations. The building blocks of Buddhist vihara, mini monastery room in intact state is kept for display. These items have archeological treasures and point towards rich Buddhist heritage of Odisha. The place can be better maintained.
Written 21 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smita S
Bhubaneswar, India33 contributions
Jan 2017
Ratnagiri is around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar. The drive and the destination both are wonderful. Located on a flat hilltop lies the excavated and most carefully restored remains of around 5th to 13th century AD. The beautiful ancient structures in Ratnagiri not only speaks volumes of the ancient Buddhist religion it also gives a glimpse of the past. Anyone who has interest in history and religion will not be disappointed by this visit. One can plan to visit Udaygiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri on the same day.
However, you might not get great options for lunch. One can also have a quick lunch near Chandikhol and then proceed to visit these places. But, one might miss Lalitgiri if sufficient time is not there. So, if you are planning to stay for the whole day, take packed lunch and enjoy it at the site. There is also a museum in Ratnagiri which is open from 9 am to 5pm. So, plan your time accordingly.
However, you might not get great options for lunch. One can also have a quick lunch near Chandikhol and then proceed to visit these places. But, one might miss Lalitgiri if sufficient time is not there. So, if you are planning to stay for the whole day, take packed lunch and enjoy it at the site. There is also a museum in Ratnagiri which is open from 9 am to 5pm. So, plan your time accordingly.
Written 9 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lotusdiamond
Chandigarh, India1,245 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
This place is hidden treasure and many people are not aware about this place. It is a buddhist place. You will find archaeological museum also at this place.
Written 19 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
subodh c
Greenville, SC7 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Basically a historic site. Enjoyed visiting the area. Not much else. It was part of the tour package.
Written 5 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am in the States. Is there someone at the hotel who speaks English so I may book a room over the phone?
Written 17 January 2015
This itself is not a hotel The nearest place where you would like to stay would be Bhubaneswar. There are many hotels there and in most the staff would speak english. You can also book these hotels online from any of the partners of tripadvisor
Written 17 January 2015
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