Description:
A treasure cove of Buddhist relics hidden in the well-watered backcountry, south of the River Brahmani, Ratnagiri means the Jewel Hill. One of the ancient three Universities of Orissa, Ratnagiri has come up with immense findings in the excavations which have been undertaken. A place for the Vajrayana Buddhism, it was always a center for major Buddhist studies as has been noted in the travelogues of the Chinese traveler. Just 70 kms from Cuttack this place, the main attraction of this place is the enormous Stupa with a stone casket containing gold and silver artifacts, believed to be actual relics of the Lord Buddha. There are two monasteries belonging to the 7th century down the Stupa. One of them has a paved courtyard surrounded by cells and a beautifully carved doorway made from local blue-green chlorite stone. There are many figures carved inside the Stupa most of which are postures of women, either dancing or meditating.
