Global Buddhist Meet at Udayagiri, Jajpur brings 1700 devotees and monks to honour Guru Padmasambhava, showcasing Odisha as a global Buddhist hub
OdishaPlus Bureau
The revered landscape of Udayagiri was filled with spiritual chants and the rhythmic sounds of traditional Buddhist ceremonies as the Odisha Tourism Department, in partnership with the Odia Language, Literature, Culture Department and the District Administration of Jajpur, commenced the prayer ceremony for the second Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava in conjunction with the International Buddhist Conference.
This six-day event, taking place from January 11 to 16, has turned the Jajpur district into a worldwide center for Buddhist philosophy. More than 1700 devotees and esteemed gurus from notable monasteries throughout India and beyond have convened to pay tribute to the legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, the “Lotus-Born” master who played a crucial role in disseminating Vajrayana Buddhism across Tibet and East Asia.
The ambiance was enhanced by a grand procession that meandered from the Udayagiri Tourist Reception Center to the ancient Prayer Temple. Monks clad in traditional robes, joined by international attendees, paraded in a symbolic representation of global unity.
During the inauguration, which was led by Buddhist Guru Wangmo Dixey, Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera underscored that India’s essence is founded on the teachings of Buddha rather than on conflict. He pointed out Jajpur’s historical importance as the epicenter of Buddhist culture and the site of the ancient Pushpagiri University, a scholarly institution that once attracted intellectuals from around the world.
Badachana MLA Amar Kumar Nayak reiterated these thoughts, stating that it was from the very land of Udayagiri that Guru Padmasambhava initiated his mission to propagate Buddhist principles. The conference, backed by the Light of Buddha Foundation, acts as a link between the region’s illustrious past and its potential as a global pilgrimage destination.
District Collector Ambar Kumar Kar has confirmed that comprehensive arrangements have been established to accommodate the surge of pilgrims and scholars. In addition to the religious ceremonies and seminars, the delegates are set to explore the renowned Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udaygiri Diamond Triangle, which is the foundation of Odisha’s Buddhist heritage.
The event proceeds with in-depth seminars featuring historians and researchers dedicated to preserving and promoting the philosophical significance of the Diamond Triangle. Under the guidance of Culture Secretary Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya and Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh, the conference serves as a testament to Odisha’s dedication to restoring its ancient reputation as a center of Buddhist wisdom.
