{"id":56218,"date":"2024-07-09T13:21:37","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T07:51:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.treebo.com\/blog\/?p=56218"},"modified":"2025-06-02T13:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T08:10:30","slug":"kuruma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.treebo.com\/blog\/kuruma\/","title":{"rendered":"Kuruma: A Sneak-Peek into the Lesser Known Buddhist Site of Intrigue"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What lies beneath the land is only known to the secretive books of the bygone era! That is exactly the case at the Kuruma Buddhist Heritage Site. Located in the state of Odisha, Kuruma is an archaeological masterpiece for history buffs and enthusiasts. It is situated in the Puri district, just near the coast. As per the belief, there existed a Buddhist settlement consisting of a monastery, different halls and many sculptures too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Way to Kuruma <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While you might have known of the famous places and temples of Odisha<\/a>, it is now time to dive into the historical wonder. Kuruma is a lesser-explored destination, making it less crowded too. To know everything about this site, check out the blog and plan your journey well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tracing Back to History: Excavations and Findings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kuruma came into the limelight during the 7th and 8th centuries. You must be wondering how. It is because of the popular Chinese traveller who visited the site of Kuruma. Hiuen T\u2019sang mentioned the presence of a Buddhist monastery in one of his books. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kuruma Buddhist Site <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sri Braja Bandhu Dash was a teacher in the neighbouring area. It was when he started collecting artefacts and other elements from this site. The brick-walled structures always intrigued him. In the 1970s, after raising awareness, the matter was in the hands of the State Department of Archaeology. After excavating the site, there were multiple brick structures. These structures depicted the existence of a Buddhist setting with different halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kuruma Buddhist Site: Key Features <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After the excavation process, different brick-walled structures were found. As per the findings, you can see the prayer hall, a central large space and even a courtyard. Till today’s time, the usage of these structures is unknown. While they could’ve been used for meditation or meetings, there’s a possibility of something unique too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sculptures at Kuruma<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, three ovens were found during the excavation process! It clearly suggested that a domestic setting existed ages ago in Kuruma. What’s more? The site of Kuruma is also mentioned in an ancient manuscript at the Cambridge University Library in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Excavation findings at Kuruma <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you move around, a lot of construction has been done in recent times to preserve the heritage site. The even structures suggest a few changes in the original site. As you move inside the structures of Kuruma, you get to discover the real gems. It houses four different sculptures that were found near the pond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Worshipped idols at Kuruma <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can see the sculptures of a crowned Buddha seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra. It is indeed rare to spot sculptures of Buddha with ornaments and crowns. That’s exactly why Kuruma is still a mystery to most of the enthusiasts out there. Padmapani Avalokiteshvara, an embodiment of Buddhist compassion, is also found in the form of a sculpture. The idol is a lotus-bearer and that can be seen here. The other two sculptures include Yamantaka Heruka and a Tribikram idol. Yamantaka Heruka is known as the destroyer of death and is a revered idol in Vajrayana Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kuruma Buddhist Site <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you dive deeper into the secrets, you are certain to come across stories and vivid narrations from the locals. Sri Braja Bandhu Dash, with his passion for exploration, led to the discovery of something that amazes the world out there! What was a mere site to everyone is now a preserved and important site for educational purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Time to Visit Kuruma<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Situated in Odisha, Kuruma is one of the best sites for archaeology enthusiasts as well as history buffs. However, it is ideal to consider the temperature and weather before planning your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter: September to February <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The best time to visit the Kuruma Buddhist site is during the winter season. The temperature ranges from 0\u00b0C to 15\u00b0C. Pleasant weather accompanied by chilled nights is perfect for exploration. This time also makes it exciting for travellers to enjoy the lush greenery and non-humid weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summer: March to June<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The summer season experiences warm weather, resulting in hot air and scorching heat. The temperature ranges from 25\u00b0C to 35\u00b0C. This might not be a comfortable time for you to explore. However, if you are comfortable with warm weather, you might still enjoy exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monsoon: June to August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The monsoon begins in mid-June in the state of Odisha. That’s when the rainfall begins and the state turns all green. It is an adventurous time to visit here. The temperature ranges from 22\u00b0C to 29\u00b0C, accompanied by humid weather. If you like rain, you can choose this time as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to Know Before Visiting Kuruma Buddhist Site <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n