Dhauli Hills

Dhauli Hills is located 8 km south of the capital city of Bhubaneswar, across the Daya river. It is believed that Dhauli Hills was the venue of the battle of Kalinga which was won by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 265 BC. The bloodshed and deaths of thousands in the battle filled Emperor Ashoka with grief and guilt over the misery that the battle of Kalinga had brought. The sight of so many people killed in the battle filled Ashoka with remorse and brought about a sudden change of heart. Instead of celebrating his victory in the battle of Kalinga he gave up the path of violence to embrace Buddhism.
Peace Pagoda at Dhauli Hill

Ashoka publicized his new maxims in rock edicts and got it installed in different parts around the empire. One such rock edict is present in at the base of Dhauli hills in which Emperor Ashoka proclaims, 'All men are my children', and pitches for the principles of impartially, non-violence, justice and compassion. There is an imposing elephant's head at the top of the rock which has religious significance as it is believed to be related to the dream the Buddha's mother saw of the Buddha descending to her womb in the form of an elephant. Ashoka built several chaityas, stupas and pillars at Dhauli. There are five chhatris (umbrellas) placed on the top which represent five important aspects of Buddhism.

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