Langudi Hill is an ancient Buddhist site in
, about 90 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar
. This is a low hill running from north to south, mostly devoid of vegetation. The river Kelua meanders across the northeast and eastern parts of the Langudi Hill. The effect of this river flowing against a backdrop of hills and plains is scenic.
The 34 rock-cut Buddhist stupas on the northern part are the main attractions. This hill is referred to as the home to eastern India’s oldest Ashoka stupa, encircled by a laterite wall and covered with burnt bricks. The Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang who visited Orissa in 639 AD, mentioned it as the Pushagiri Mahavihar, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. There are also a number of Buddhist caves, dilapidated rock-cut Buddhist stupas and ruined monasteries near every hill and paddy field lying near to Langudi.
The Dhyani Buddhas or the meditative Buddhas in different postures, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshwaras, the deities of the Vajrayana pantheon, feminine deities and other splendid Buddhist remains are situated here, close to the ancient city of Radhanagar, the capital of ancient Kalinga.
The rock-cut caves around the hill reflect the growth of the pre-monastic movement in Orissa during the early period. Karima and
Dhauli are other Buddhist sites near Langudi Hill. Langudi is located in the plains of the Mahanadi Delta about 90 km from Bhubaneswar. It can be approached from Jaraka and Chandikhol, both located on the
National Highway 5, connecting Kolkata with Chennai.