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Dhauli is located about 8km from the south of Bhubaneshwar on the bank of river Daya. Kalinga-Nippon-Buddha Sangha erected a peace pagoda also called at Shanti Stupa at the place. The place is also famous for its Saddharma monasteries. The rock edicts of Dhauli narrate the story of grisly combat between Ashoka and Kalinga. The place is witness to emperor Ashoka's penitence after his violent crusade in Kalinga, and his eventual transformation after embracing Buddhism.
The impressive edicts dating back to the 3rd century BC are beautifully preserved. On the top of rock edicts, a carved elephant which is the worldwide emblem of Lord Buddha is beautifully placed. The enchanting Shanti Stupa or peace pagoda erected through the alliance of India and Japan is located off the hill. The round edifice has a dome shaped top akin to mushroom. The spectacular dome offers a view as if it is raising the umbrella shaped head and conversing with God. The Stupa is bedecked with marvelous panels of stone. The prominent rock edicts of Dhauli include an elephant convoy, the sprawling Buddha, footsteps of Buddha demeanor the wheel (Chakra), a quiescent beauty admired by female entourages, the Bodhi tree, procession on back of horse and monarch Ashoka forsaking confrontation by presenting his rapier to Lord Buddha at Dhaulagiri Knoll. Each edict is a perceptive rendering of outstanding Buddhist convention.
The Kalinga edicts gracefully display welfare of the entire world. The sculpture of elephant located on the top of edicts is one of the oldest rock edicts of Dhauli. According to the folklores, elephants are said to represent the followers of Buddha on earth. Dhauli is a prominent centre of numerous Buddhist activities. Several stupas, chaityas and pilasters constructed by Emperor Ashoka in the bygone era add charm to the rock edicts of Dhauli. He also built abodes for hermits, emblazoned directives for bureaucrats, illustrated the major standards of Dandaniti and gave exceptional position to his new realm encompassing stupas at Dhauli.
Dhauli is also well known for Dhawaleshawr shrine, located on the top of the hill. The virtuoso temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sees thousands of pious devotees every year. The tortuous River Daya also gives an enchanting panorama to the visitors. The rock edicts of Dhauli are a peculiar blend of tranquil milieu and magnificent artworks of bygone era. The place can be visited throughout the year. Being close to Mahabaleshwar, Dhauli is easily accessible through road transport buses or even private taxis or cabs. Auto rickshaw is also a prominent means of local transport in Dhauli. The hotels and resorts of Bhubaneshwar offer comfortable and lavish lodgings to the tourists.
Rock edicts of Dhauli are not only a matter of attraction for tourists but also have geographical significance.
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