This book is an architectural and cultural exploration through the incredible Buddhist heritage of Odisha, a modern province on the eastern coast of India. Odisha, a land of great geographical and ethnic diversity is also an antique land. Thousands of tourists are drawn to Odisha’s golden triangle that comprises the holy city of Shiva, Bhubaneswar, the supreme Hindu Tirtha of Lord Jagannath, Puri and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konark. However, for travelers to Odisha, there is yet another triangle, the diamond triangle that comprises ancient and medieval Buddhist architectural jewels of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, which has remained largely unexplored. This book blends beautifully the myths and legends associated with Odisha’s Buddhist heritage and the art and architecture of Buddhist monasteries and stupas.

Odisha's glorious history also contains almost 15 centuries-long rise and fall of Buddhism. Odisha is perhaps one of the few regions where all the three branches of Buddhism, which are Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana had equal footings. Odisha is also home to the surviving traditional Buddhists who are well-known as Maniabandha Ikat weavers. This book unveils the lost Buddhist Heritage of Odisha through its pictorial and legend-based narrative for the common man and immersive travelers.