Located in Jajpur district of Orissa, Ratnagiri lies at a distance of 100 km from Bhubaneswar and 70 km from Cuttack. Encompassed by rivers in all the directions, this Buddhist heritage site, built in 5 A.D. holds great archaeological significance. The place is located on a small hill top over-looking the vast plains dotted with green hills in the distance. A large-scale excavation has unearthed two large monasteries, one of them identified as Sri Ratnagiri Mahavihara Aryabhikshu Sangha holds beautiful doorways, cella sanctum, a big stupa, Buddhist shrines, sculptures and colossal Buddha.

History
The Ratnagiri site, the first to be excavated between 1957 and 1960, dates back to the first half of 6th century B.C. during the reign of Narasimha Gupta Baladitya of Gupta dynasty. Originally, it was an important center of Mahayana form of Buddhism, while later during 8th and 9th century, it became a great center for Tantrik Buddhism or Vajrayana art and philosophy. Several sculptural relics on the walls of the pantheon envisages the prevalence of Vajrayana divinities at that time. Pag Sam Jon Zang, a Tibetan account, indicates that the institution at Ratnagiri also played a significant role in the emergence of Kalachakratantra during the 10th century A.D.

Heritage
The entrance to the first monastery has some splendid carved statues of Vajrapani and Lokeshwara, embellished on its walls. There are sculptures from Hindu mythology as well, which have stood the test of time. The square-shaped inner courtyard effuses a sense of freedom in one's self. The impressive 10 ft effigy of Lord Buddha, engaged in meditation which is placed inside a seclude chamber surely takes a person to divine consciousness. Look out for the exquisitely carved door panel set within the courtyard and other splendid sculptural evidences, scattered all over the complex.

The second monastery cherishes the presence of a blissful life-size granite statue of the Buddha. Interestingly, the site also has a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The motifs, called Kunjalata and Patralata in Oriya, are best examples of sublime cultural transfer and adoption of items from Buddhism. The Buddha Sculptures, especially the one in Varada Mudra, surely demands some attention because of their smooth finish and artistic adroitness.
Museum timings: 10 am to 5 pm (Friday closed)

Accessibility
Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, connected to most major cities in India.

Rail : Cuttack is the nearest railway station within easy reach, at a distance of 70 km from Ratnagiri and well connected with all major stations across India. However one can even hire a taxi from Bhubaneswar and come over to Ratnagiri.

Road : There are good roads from Cuttack, and direct buses run regularly between the two places

Buddhist Caves in India

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra | Ellora Caves, Maharashtra | Kanheri Caves, Maharashtra Karla Caves, Maharashtra | Junnar Caves, Maharashtra | Bhaja Caves, Maharashtra Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh | Barabar Caves, Bihar | Udaigiri Caves, Orissa Khandgiri Caves, Orissa | Ratnagiri Caves, Orissa | Lalitagiri Caves, Orissa Dhauli Caves, Orissa