The archaeological remains at Udayagiri consist of
a brick stupa, two brick monasteries (one excavated
and the other still unexcavated), a beautiful stepped
stone well with inscriptions on it, and rock-cut sculptures
at the top of the hill behind. Chronologically, the
Udayagiri Buddhist Complex is later than Ratnagiri
and Lalitgiri, and the monasteries probably flourished
between the 7th and the 12th centuries A.D.
The large number of exposed sculptures from the excavations,
as well as those still in situ, belong, obviously
to the Buddhist pantheon and consist of Boddhisattva
figures and Dhyani Buddha figures. Interestingly,
although the site is located close to Ratnagiri (about
5 km), Udayagiri does not possess a number of Vajrayana
sculptures. Much is still to be known about this site.
In its present state, Udayagiri provides visitors
a grand sight with its newly excavated sprawling monastery
complex that has to be reached through a long stairway.
The un-excavated area poses a mystery to archaeologists,
art lovers and lay visitors alike with the prospects
of the hidden treasures that lie buried. Adventure
seekers will be thrilled by the ascent to the hilltop.
The hilly, serpentine, all-weather approach road on
the other side of Udayagiri is another added attraction. |