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Pushpagiri Mahavihara, Pushpagiri

Pushpagiri Mahavihara

shpagiri Mahavihara, often simply called Pushpagiri, was a prominent Buddhist monastic university situated atop the Langudi Hills in Jajpur district, Odisha.

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“जहाँ शब्द मौन बन जाएँ और मौन ज्ञान दे जाए — वह है पुष्पगिरि महाविहार।”

― Pushpagiri Mahavihara

It stood as a major institution of higher learning alongside Nalanda, Vikramashila, Odantapuri, Takshashila, and Vallabhi.

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Mythological Significance & History

Ancient Glory: Pushpagiri flourished from around the 3rd to the 11th century CE, serving as a key center for Buddhist education and practice.
Xuanzang Connection: The famed Chinese traveler Xuanzang (c. 602–664 CE) visited in 639 CE and recorded Pushpagiri among the great institutions of his time.
Rediscovery: Though referenced in ancient Tibetan texts, the actual site remained lost until archaeological excavations between 1996–2006 unearthed inscriptions (e.g., “puṣpa sabhar giriya”) confirming its identity.

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Significance of the Temple

Center of Learning: Pushpagiri was an intellectual powerhouse, akin to the likes of Nalanda, demonstrating the scholarly heights achieved in ancient India.
Cultural & Religious Harmony: The complex showcased a synthesis of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, fostering an inclusive spiritual and philosophical environment.

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Architecture of the Temple

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The monastery spread across Langudi Hills, comprising three adjoining hilltops, and hosted numerous stupas, monasteries, and sculptures exhibiting Gupta-period artistry.

Excavations revealed a large stupa suspected to be Ashokan, numerous rock-cut stupas, sculptures of Dhyani Buddhas, terracotta seals, and Brahmi inscriptions.

Spread over 143 acres, the site remains partially excavated, with ASI continuing its work.

How to Reach to Temple

By Road: Approximately 90 km from Bhubaneswar, in a scenic, off-the-path setting across local terrain.

By Rail: Nearest station is Jajpur, about 62 km away.

By Air: Closest airport is Bhubaneswar (~71 km).
- The region has limited public transport—visitors often travel by private vehicle and combine Pushpagiri with nearby Buddhist sites like Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri.andhi International Airport, Hyderabad (~80 km).

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Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    8:00 AM to 6:00 PM,

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  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    5:30 AM – 12:30 PM

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Temple Location

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