Arakhita Das Olasuni Hill

The sacred land of Orissa is enriched in mushroom growth of both Puranic and historical sites and monuments of Brahmanical, Buddhist, Jaina, Islam, and Christian religions. In addition to the Temples, Stupas, Buddhist monasteries, and Jaina Relicsm the Islam and Christian monument Orissa also yields an ancient and important historical, religious, and sanctuary shrine entitled “Olasuni Gumpha Dhama” in disguise a world famous ancient Buddhist site of 1st century BC or AD, turned to Hinduised shrine from 12th /13th century AD, known as “Olasuni pitha” and then further converted to “Omkara Abadhuta Pitha” from last part of the 18th century AD. The Perfect abode and Mahaprayan Khetra of Bramha Darshi- Mahapurusa-Avadhuta-santha Arakhita Das is located near the world famous Buddhist site of Lalitagiri in the undivided Katak District of Orissa. The site has a rich archeological and historical importance but is beyond knowledge of historians, scholars, and archaeologists.
Location
The world famous “Olasuni Gumpha” the sacred seat of perfection and the Mahasamdhi Temple of Santha Arakhita Das is situated on hillock named “Olasuni Pahada” beside the left bank of the on flowing river Gomati called as Gobari, and very adjacent to the N.H-5-A leading to Paradeep in the divided Jajpur district of Orissa. It is a rural belt and nearest to the village Lalitagiri, the famous Buddhist site, Sukhuapada and Bandareswar.
Historical Background
The virtuous site bearing both legendary and archaeological importance is surrounded by network of five Buddhist hillock such as “LANDAPAHADA” in the south west, “PARABHADI PAHADA” in the west “RIGIDI PAHADA” in north east, “GANGI PAHAD” in north east and “LALITAGIRI-SUKHUAPADA PAHADA” in the north east in an approximate radius of 1k.m . These five hillocks in the Ancient past constituted the “Great Pushpagiri panchali” according to the “Dharma Lingesvava” copper plate inscription during eastern Ganga King Devendra Varman-I. The historic site and establishment was visited by the Chinese piligrim Hiuen-Tsang during the 7th century A.D, who became exclaimed at the scenic beauty and the Buddhistic heritage of this historic site and called “Pu-sie-po-ki-li” that is Pushpagiri. The top of the hillock Olasuni is about 7 AC of area, where the Mahasamadhi Temple existed.
Name of the hillock Olasuni Gumpha Pahada
The very site hillock Olasuni Gumpha or Olasuni Pahada is name after the sovereign of four hands Buddhist goddess Prajnaparamitawho turned in to hinduised goddess and called by the local people Olasuni Devi. The goddess hold Akshyamala and a Khanda (sword) in the upraised right and left hands and Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra in the principal pair of hands. The goddess worshiped by Buddhist monks inside the gumpha known as Olasuni or Sidha Gumpha till the 12th/13th century AD, with decline of Buddhism in later period the hillock became covered by hanging trunks of banyans tree, knows as Bara Ohala. According to the term Ohala perhaps local people called hillock as Ohalasuni which named as Olasuni and since that time the goddess in popular as Olasuni Devi, the gumpha, as Olasuni gumpha and hillock Olasuni pahada. Even during arrival of Santha Arakhita in 18th century A.D, The hillock also named “Olasuni Pahada” as Arakhita Das composed in his bhajan, with an apple to the goddess “Olasuni Giribara”. Since that time the hillock is calling as Olasuni Gumpha Pahada.

Meanurement of Samadhi temple
Total Area of the temple measured-
Length- 42feet, 8 inches
Breath- 41 feet, 8 inches.
a) Mahasamadhi temple - Height - 41’. 2”
Is rectangular size ground Length - 17’. 7”
Breath - 16’. 7”
Pabhaga - 3’. 10”
b) Jagamohan Height- 25’. 4”
Is square size ground Length - 25’. 1”
Breath - 25’. 1”
Bandhana - 10”
c) Pillar round 7 feet 11 inches
d) Garbhagruha (sanctum)
measured approximately - Length. 14 feet 3 inches
breath- 13 feet 2 inches

Monuments
The site is magnified by a galaxy of archeological remains, Rock cut Cave, Samadhi Temple and Tombs ; This sacred place is a monastery. Particularly important are rock cut ancient Buddhist caves and the Mahasamadhi Temple of Santha Arakhita Das. In addition to the campus the Temple for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra with Radha and Krishna was existed . Besides these Vaidyeswara Siva Temple and other stray runs archeological importance are existed. The two close rock cut caves in the eastern side of the hillock are popularly known as Khola gumpha. The Ananta Gumpha is in the west north corner and at the southern side .there is a natural cave called as Paduka Gumpha, or Muni Gumpha. In the west of the back side of the Mhasamadhi Temple there is a cave famous as Sidha Gumpha or Olasuni Gumpha.
Antiquity
The antiquity of caves may well go back to the early century of pre/post Christian era i.e. 1st century BC or AD. The Buddhist marks and Nuns were used to practice yoga in peace and tranquility within the cave sanctuaries. Long before the evolution and growth of the systematic and structural Buddhist Manastic establishment (Viharas). This Practice of residing in cave was continued up to the Gupta period i.e. 4th/5th century A.D. In latter period the people called all those caves with specific name as. Khola Gumpha, Sidha Gumpha or Olasuni gumpha, Paduka gumpha or Muni gumpha And Ananta Gumpha. The cave popularly known as Sidha Gumpha or Olasuni Gumpha was the cave of Buddhist goddess Prajnaparamita, worshiped their by Buddhist up to 11th century AD and then from 12th century AD the goddess called Olasuni. After the arrival of Santha Arakhita Das and following his devotional appeal the goddess Olasuni came down from this cave to an isolated foot hill of the hillock in the east on the bank of river Gobari in he beginning of the 18th century A.D(see Photo s/No -01)Santha Arakhita Das practiced his “ Omkara Yoga” in this cave and perfected as “Brahma Avadhuta”. The Paduka Gumpha or Muni Gumpha is not a rock cut cave it is the original cave of the hillock, where Santha Arakhita stepped his foot first. The Anata Gumpha is a rock cut cave on which a temple structure built in later time.
PROPERTY AND ITS USE
From medieval period the hillock was kept under the proprietorship of one Feudal Lord of Kendrapara named Radhasyam Narendra, who was famed as “Swargare Indra, Marttyare Radhasyam Narendra”as per the description of Mahimandala Geeta of Santha Arakhita . After being over wrelmed by the miraculous power of the Santha Arakhita at his residence the king (feudal Lord) registered the hillock in the name of Santha Arakhita, which is known from the version of Mahimandala Geeta runs famous “
Raja Je Bahu Bhakti kala !
Pahada mote Lekhidela!!”
After the attainment of salvation or Mahasamadhi of Santha Arakhita Das the sacred place turned in to a Monastery and the property was using and protecting by the Mahantas. It is believed that one of his follower named Rama Chandra Das is the earlier protector and owner of the property and from his time this property is under the using of successor Mohanta Maharaj till now. At present the Samadhi Temple is being guided and run by Mohanta Maharaj Namananda Das. But there is an unregistered development organization is termed as “Olasuni Gumpha Unnayan Sangha” consisting of local village members under president ship of Mohanta Namananda Das.
LIFE OF SANTHA ARAKHITA DAS
Santha Arakhita was born and brought up in a royal family of Ganga dsynasty in the Badakhemundi royal estate of Ganjam district named in between year 1772-1782 AD, as the son of Padmanabha Deva, according to he autobiography (Atmacharita) of Santha Arakhita Das, His paternal name was Balabhadra Deva, and at the age of 18 he renounced the temporary world and become is an ascetic for the search of ultimate truth that is “Bramha” In Olasuni or Sidha Gumpha Santha Arakhita practiced “Omkara Yoga” and perfect as a “Bramha Avadhuta”. He preached Visualised and also propagated the Omkara-Bramha at this Olasuni Khetra and composed Mahimandala Geeta consisting of 93 chapters, which is palm leaf manuscript form. Now at present it is in active worship inside the room built over Olasuni Gumpha. He has also composed hundreds of Bhajans and Jananas on Nriguna Brahma and attended his Mahaparinirvana in about 1835 AD at Sidha Gumpha in the auspicious day of Magha Krushna Ekadasi.

ASSOCIATION
This Olasuni Gumpha has certain historical and rituals associations. The existence of rock cut caves represents the historical association with Buddhist monuments. The structure and artistic qualities of the Mahasamadhi Temple indicates the temple architect of Orissa. The celebration of several religious occasions in Sankranti, Purnima and Ekadasi. In addition to this the celebration of mostly popular world famous festival “ Olasuni Yatra” prove the ritual importance of the place.

SIGNIFICANCE
The place has both historical and religious importance. Among the numbers of festivals are being celebrated here, out of them the main festival is “ Gumpha Ekadasi” popularly known as “Olasuni Yatra”. It is celebrated in the month of Magha masa (in between December and January) i.e. Magha Ekadasi, which is the death anniversary of Santha Arakhita Das. The main item of Prasad (Bhoga) dedicated to Lord Arakhita are Podapitha, Khechudi, Dahipakhal with Tulasi etc. Besides all these offerings, Sukhua (dry fish) and Kanjipani (Water of rice) are also sacrificed to Lord. In the morning of the day of Magha Ekadasi, thousands and thousands numbers of people are gathered on the spot and partaking prasada seva sitting together without any hesitation in spite of caste and colour and creed. This famous festival is being observed for a week. This festival is burning example of propagating the massage of universal humanism fraternity and unity in diversity and eradication of untouchability. Santha preached ultimate truth of one “Bramha” that deals in the heart and soul of the every universal being. As described in the Mahimandala Geeta .
“Sakala Ghate Eka Bramha !
Jahara Nahin Rupa Varna !!
Enu Tu Dekha Ekakari !
Eka Omkara Tu Bichari !!
Omkara paramapurusa !
Kahai Arakhita Dasa !!
The most Significance of the Pitha is that people believed, Kanjipani that removes or cures all sorts of diseases of human beings and the cattle.
PHYSICAL AND ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION OF MONUMENTS
MAHASAMADHI TEMPLE
This monument is not the temple of any god or goddess rather it is a Samadhi Pitha of Mahapurusa and Santha. The Mahasamadhi temple enshrining the Mahaprayana Gadi of Santha Arakhita Das built on Olasuni Pahada (hillock) it is Known from the local People and Mohanta Maharaj that after the Mahaparinirvana of Santha Arakhita the sacred temple Known as Mahasamadhi Gadi Bramha Mandira (see photo no-) was built in between 1835 to 1850 AD by the master architects and exports of the nearest village Sukuapara named Antaryami Moharana, according to the advice of the then Mohanta Maharaj to worship the Samadhi Gadi . The temple is built out of the dressed Khondolite stone available from this hillock.

BADA
The Bada of the temple has three parts, Pabhaga, Jangha and Baranda this temple has no Sandharva or Nirandhara. The Pabhaga of main temple is built with Panchanga (five moldings), Khura, Kumbha, Patta, Kani and Basanta with artistic ornamentation where as Pabhaga of Jagamohana is built on simple structural from . The Bada of both main temple and Jagamohan are divided by Bandhana, which indicates the Talajangha and Uparajangha respectively . Besides pabhaga of main temple, the other parts of temple are plain and plastered within thick cement and sand The Jangha and Gandi of the main temple are with equal division of Pancharatha plan. In the recess of the Bada in Talajangha near Basanta and in Uparajangha above Bandhana some artistic stone carving made in such a beautiful manner that it appears like dambaru
GANDI:-
The Gandi of the main temple consisted of Pancharatha Plan included Rahapaga Anuratha and Kanikapaga, without any artistic carving. At Bisama of the main temple the lions are seated on four corner . The Beki of the main temple has not been decorated with any artistically work At Bisama on above of the Rahapaga the idols of man appears like saint are placed on four sides of the temple. The images of Gajasingha (lion) are also placed on Rahapaga below of the Bisama.
Sikhara:-
The sikhara of the main temple is surmounted by a Amalaka with a convexed khapuri is surrounded by a molding rope. The khapuri inserted by Dadhikalasa in magnificent scenic manner. At the Kalasa there is a Ayudha chakra in which the flag is fluttering called Abadhuta vana. The flag named as Abadhuta vana is known according to the bhajana of Santha Arakhita Das “Mahasunye Abadhuta vana uduchhi.
The four numbers of idols placed in niches and windows of the Samadhi temple. The frontal door is approached by lintel showing at the middle a miniature icon of four armed Ganesh towards the eastern direction of the temple. a four handed standing image of Narayan or Bishnu holding flower Padma (lotus) and Gada (mace) in the lower hands, while uplifted upper hands hold Sankha (cronch) and Chakra (discus) is placed in the back side niche in Talajangha of the temple, in western direction. The southern direction window in Talajangha of the temple in sampada posture, holding bow and arrow in left and right hands respectively. The northern side window in Talajangha of the temple enshrines the icon of Krishna Gopinath playing Mohonavansi in typical thrice bent dancing posture. The window and niche of the temple are also decorated in artistic work.
Jagamohana
The Jagamohana of the Samadhi temple is built on Pidha Deula structure of Orissan architecture. The Bada has no artistic ornamentation. Only the icons of the females in dancing posture, and the images of male & females, Radha, Krishna are standing on the flowers, are fixed in specific distance near the baranda in four side of the Jagamohan, while in four corners of same baranda carried the erotic posture images of man and women.
The Gandi of Jagamohan is up to three steps of pidha is single structure, but from their, it is divided into 6 numbers of separate identical structure, as if 6 numbers of gandi appears separately on same Mandapa in a visible distance. The pidhas are enriched by the support of the construction of Patala. Each structure has a sikhara surmounted by a amlaka with convexed Khapuri surrounded by a molding rope and inserted by a Dadhikalasa . The statue of Lions, images of men and women, icon of Radha Krishna, statue of man on the horse back are placed on all divisional part of Gandi. In the frontal side of the Gandi the image of Santha Arakhita and Nrusingha also affixed in a proper pose and posture.
The Samadhi Temple has three entrance (prabesha patha). The main entrance door in on the Eastern side of the temple and other two as on Northern and Southern side . The doorjamb of Grabhagruha called as Nagabandha. In the middle of the doorjamb of Grabhagruha (sanctum) shows a sculpture, which appears to be figure of a deity, holding two lotus in the uplifted hands, two Elephants are standing on lotus (padma) on both side of the deity and two principal hands are in a Dhyana and Ashirbada symbol. The doorjamb is decorated in artistic work and two dwarapala also carved in lower part of bandha (see photo no-13). In Grabhagruha the Mahasamdhi Gadi of Santha Arakhita is worshiping . The main part of the temple plastered with cement and sand.
The Gandi of Jagamohana is supported by two thick rounded pillars, which are in projected manner, in side to enriched the delicate carving with a Pyramidal pattern . The doorjamb of Jagamohana in front side is approached at the middle by a deity suspected a four armed Bishnu sitting on a man in bending posture with folded hand, assumed to Garuda. The god holds Sankha(cronch) Chakra (discuss) in two uplifted hands and Padma (lotous) Gada (mace) in two lower hands . The entire thick body of doorjamb decorated in carved Dadhi Kalasa and ornamented in various artistic work . There is a sacred Banyan tree on back side of the temple (see photo no-36).
OTHER TEMPLES
Beside the Samadhi temple another temple in also existed southern part of the spot which is built on the Orissan artistic of Pidha Deula. This temple is meant for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra, in addition to Radha Krishna. As a Pidha deula structure this temple posses three parts. Bada, Gandi and Sikhara, but this temple has no Jagamohana. The Jangha of the Bada divided by the Bandhana. The temple is built on Panchha Pidha style with several decoration. The Sikhara also surmounted a Amalaka with a convexed Khapuri, inserted by a Dadhi Kalasa and above the Kalasa there is a Ayudha Chakra (discus) in a Magnificent scenic manner. The images of Gajasingha are also placed on Gandi there is a lifty platform pedestal called Singhasana inside the temple, where the deities installed. The body the pedestal ornamented and decorated with beautiful artistic work.

CAVES (GUMPHA):- KHOLA GUMPHA
The two rock cut caves named Khola Gumpha are like to those at Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills near Bhubaneswar. There are steps of stair built on stone to enter in to the Gumpha. The inner side of the caves repaired with help of cement and sand in later period. The inner part of the 1st cave measure 13 feet 1 inches in length, 10 feet 4 inches in breath and 6 feet 10 inches in height. Similarly 2nd cave measured 9 feet 1 inches in length, 8 feet 3 inches in breath and 6 feet 8 inches in height. The present condition of this caves monuments are not in good condition due to proper care and maintenance. The frontal doorjamb of one of the caves is in collapse condition, which needs preservation.

PADUKA GUMPHA
Another cave is called as Paduka Gaumpha or Muni Gumpha is not a rock cut cave. It is a natural cave with original structure of the hillock. There is a pair of Kathau keep in front of a small Samadhi (tomb) inside the cave and also worshiping by the priest of the said place. This cave is famous for its sacredness as Santha Arakhita steped his foot first in this cave. The measurement of the cave are 6 feet 1 inch in length, 4 feet 2 inches in breath and 3 feet ½ inch in height .
OLASUNI GUMPHA OR SIDHA GUMPHA: The most sacred and important cave is known as Olasuni Gumpha or Sidha Gumpha where Santha Arakhita Das practiced “Omkara Yaga”, is the original cave of the Goddess Olasuni. After the Mahaparinirvan of Santh Arakhita two rooms in a single sturcture are built on the cave. The roof of the structure is on Pidha deula styel that is Tree Pidha (three steps ). One above of the roof Amlaka, Khapuri and Dadhi Kalasa with Ayudha Chakra also constructed, represent like a Mandira . Inside the room there is a Mandapa where the sacred palm leaf manuscripts called “ Mahimandala Geeta ’’ composed by Santha Arakhita is kept inside a wooden bimana and it is still in active worship. Inside the room there is a small door in the gate way inside to the cave . The size of the total structure measure 31 feet 10 inches in length and 16 feet 3 inches in breath. The inside of the two rooms measures, 1st room 17 feet in length and 10 feet 7 inches in breath where as 2nd room measures 10feet 7 inches in length and 8 feet 1 inches in breath.

ANANTA GUMPHA
There is a another cave called as Ananta Gumpha is in western side of the top of the hillock. Here also a small structure like temple also built on the cave. The inner part is rock cut cave. There is a door in the structure to the eastern directions
OTHER STRUCTURES
There are number of other structures are also existed inside the campus indicating religious and social belief of the people .There is a small Siva temple named as Vaidyasvara Mahadeva temple existed in the middle part of the campus, constructed in later period in new approach structure. A Siva Linga with Naga is worsping at present . Besides this there are several numbers of small Samadhis (tombs) of Mahanta Maharaja and Adhikaries are also existed inside the campus represent the successes with protector of this sacred place .(see photo no-29,30)
WAY AND PRESENT CONDITION
It is a religious & sacred place but not a center of any particular God. Rather it is a Samadhipitha & also Monastery. There are two ways run to the top of the hill lock both form eastern & western side came from N.H.5 A. At present the site is very much attractive & decorative due to new construction of Magnificent Gate way, Gust house, Sulava Souchalaya, beautiful parks & reconstruction of the old water tank (pond) by the temple development organization with financial assistance of the State Govt. of Orissa, for pilgrims..
Conclusion
The sacred spot of universal pilgrims i.e. Olasuni Gumpha Dhama serves to be dumb witness of meeting ground of all the religious sects and bringing about messages of assimilation in this universe. The outstanding beauty and religious sanctity of the place is attracting to the thousands of tourist from different parts of the country and abroad to visit the memorable site. The project entitles “ Monuments in Olasuni Pahada” is a field study and an attempt to highlight the forgotten heritage of Olasuni Gumpha Khetra in Orissa from religious, historical and archeological point of view.

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