The Odisha government has announced ambitious plans to revive the ancient Pushpagiri University, located at the famous Buddhist sites known as the "Diamond Triangle" in Kendrapada district. This significant announcement came from Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan during the 16th Udayagiri Mahostava on Tuesday evening.
Government's Revival Initiative
The state government has already submitted a formal proposal to the Central government seeking approval for the revival project. Minister Harichandan expressed confidence that the Union government would soon grant the necessary approvals to move forward with this historic initiative.
In his address, the minister emphasized the international significance of the Buddhist sites at Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, stating that these locations fully qualify for World Heritage Site status. The state government has committed to taking all necessary steps to include these prominent Buddhist sites in the UNESCO World Heritage map.
Historical Significance of Pushpagiri University
According to renowned archaeologist Dr. Sunil Patnaik, former secretary of Orissan Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS), Pushpagiri University operated as a major Buddhist center of higher learning from the 2nd to 11th centuries CE. Located in the ancient Kalinga region across the Langudi, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri hills, this institution rivaled other ancient educational centers like Nalanda and formed part of a transnational knowledge network.
The university's historical importance is further validated by records indicating that the famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited this center of learning during his travels to India.
Archaeological Treasures and Museum Plans
Minister Harichandan highlighted that the extensive excavations at these sites have uncovered numerous Buddha images, stupas, and monasteries that reveal not only historical significance but also demonstrate exceptional artistic excellence and iconographic expertise from the Buddhist era.
The government will establish a museum at Udayagiri to preserve and display the many Buddha images and artifacts unearthed from the site. This museum will serve as a permanent repository for these archaeological treasures and help educate visitors about the region's rich Buddhist heritage.
Maheswar Bal, convener of Udayagiri Buddha Mahotsava, provided detailed insights into the Udayagiri monastery, which lies flanked by a U-shaped hill similar to Ratnagiri. Excavated in 1986, Udayagiri is located approximately 10 km from Lalitgiri, across the Birupa river, forming what is known as the golden triangle of Buddhist monuments along with Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri.
Notably, the doorway to Udayagiri was discovered in perfect state of preservation, with the gateway consisting of two stone slabs supporting a third as a lintel. The pillars remain perpendicular, and the screen features ornamented sculptures showcasing chaste and pure architectural style.
Archaeological excavations at Udayagiri have yielded significant findings including images of Buddha, Amitabha, Avalokiteswar, Vrjesane Buddha, and Kurukulla.
Cultural Celebrations and Support
The Buddha Mahotsav celebration featured students from local Sobhaniya Sikhyasrama presenting special prayers and dance sessions dedicated to Buddha and his philosophy. The event also saw participation from Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera and Barachana MLA Amar Kumar Nayak, among other dignitaries.
This revival initiative represents a significant step in preserving and promoting India's ancient educational heritage while potentially boosting cultural tourism in Odisha. The successful implementation of this project could restore Pushpagiri University to its former glory as a center of learning and spiritual pursuit.
