Kuruma is a small village in Puri district of Odisha, which is home to an ancient Buddhist site that dates back to the 9th or 10th century CE. The site was discovered by a school teacher named Barajabandhu Das in 1971, who found a stone slab with an image of Buddha in bhumisparsha mudra (touching the earth gesture). Later, the Odisha State Archaeological Department conducted excavations at the site and unearthed more Buddhist sculptures and structures.
The site consists of a Buddhist monastery with twelve cells for monks, a central courtyard with a swastika-shaped platform, and a shrine chamber with three images of Buddha, Padmapani Avalokiteshvara (the bodhisattva of compassion), and Revanta (the son of Surya, the sun god). The images are made of black chlorite stone and are worshipped by the locals as Yamadharma (the god of death).
The site is believed to be one of the places visited by the famous Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang in the 7th century CE, who mentioned a monastery called Po-lo-mo-lo-ki-li (possibly derived from Palur Mallikarjun) in his travelogue. The site is also associated with the legend of King Santanu, who built a temple for Goddess Santeswari (a form of Tara) after seeing her in a dream on a lotus in a lake. The lake is still present near the site and is connected to a moat that surrounds the monastery.
The site is a testimony to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Odisha, which was once a flourishing centre of Buddhism. The site showcases the artistic and architectural excellence of the Odishan craftsmen, who carved intricate motifs and figures on stone. The site also reflects the syncretism and harmony of different faiths and traditions, as Hindu and Buddhist deities are revered side by side.
The site is open to visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the festivals like Buddha Purnima (the birth anniversary of Buddha), Tara Jayanti (the birth anniversary of Tara), and Durga Puja (the worship of Goddess Durga). The site is located about 8 km southeast of Konark Sun Temple and can be reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw. The nearest railway station is Puri and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.
Kuruma Buddhist Site is a hidden gem of Odisha's cultural heritage that deserves more attention and appreciation. It is a place where one can witness the glory and grace of Buddhism in Odisha.
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