Ratnagiri Budhist Complex of Stupa and Monasteries is 80 to 85 km from state capital Bhubaneswar in the Jajpur district Odisha. Ratnagiri was a great tantrik centre of Buddhism comparable to that of Nalanda in Bihar. There are about 3400 listed antiquities from which 220-250 are displayed in the gallery of Ratnagiri Museum. Buddhist sculptures from this state museum attract many foreign visitors.
Shrine’s History
Ratnagiri was established no later than the reign of the Gupta king Narasimha Baladitya in the first half of the sixth century CE and flourished until the twelfth century CE. A Tibetan history, the Pag Sam Jon Zang, identifies Ratnagiri as an important centre of the development of the Kalachakratantra in the 10th century CE, an assertion supported by the discovery of a number of votive stupas, plaques, and other artefacts featuring Kalachakra imager. History describes much more about Ratnagiri, but Tibetan record counts as one of the worthy records for its existence.However, excavations conducted in the year 1958-1961 unveiled specialities of Ratnagiri Buddhist site. A large number of sculptures , inscribed slabs, terracotta seals, votive stupas and an elaborate Buddhist monastic establishment came to light during this excavation.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
From the impressive remains and a large number of sculptures discovered during excavation , it is clear that the Buddhist establishment of Ratnagiri dating from circa 5th century AD witnessed a phenomenal growth in art, culture , religion and architecture till the 13th century AD. From the excavation, it also proved that Ratnagiri was a great tantrik centre of Buddhism comparable to that of Nalanda in Bihar. But a large number of clay sealings , found during excavation, bearing the legend ” Shri Ratnagiri Mahavihariya Arya Bhikshu samghasya “have helped in identifying the name of Ratnagiri Monastery. Built on the northern crest of Ratnagiri hill at Ratnagiri village in Jajpur district of Orissa state , Ratnagiri archaeological museum is considered as one of the unique and important site museums of the archaeological survey of India. Having three terraced magnificent building , this Museum was completed in the year of 1990 and started functioning in 15th august in 1998 . Sofar 3400 listed antiquities from which 220-250 are displayed in the gallery. Amazing panoramic view of the landscape around the museum and well studied and maintained building here attracts a large number of tourists from overseas also. Buddhist sculptures from this state museum have also got its own identity in different world class museum like china, Belgium etc. Every year besides regular Indian tourists, about 2000 foreign tourists are turning up for a glance to Ratnagiri. This Archeological museum is open onall days from 10am to 5pm except Friday
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
You may reach Ratnagiri by road from Cuttack through direct and regular buses running between the two spots
By Rail
The nearest Railway Station is Cuttack, 70 km from Ratnagiri and connected to major stations in the country.
By Air
Its closest airport is Bhubaneswar, connected to all the major cities across India.
Extra Information About this Shrine
If you are planning a trip to Ratnagiri,Udayagiri & Lalitagiri then definitely you have better options to move around Ratnagiri.Before heading to Ratnagiri one can visit Mahavinayak mandir at Chandikhole,which is enriched with excellent natural landscapes deep jungles and flowing streams. Chattia a typical traditional temple of Lord Vishnu of his Kalkiavtar . Langudi(an important site of Buddhism),Biraja Temple, Baladevgeu Temple