More than 1,200 Buddhist monks from 17 countries gathered in the eastern Indian state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) to participate in the first-ever Guru Padmasambhava chanting program, which took place from 12–16 January.

Organized by the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation in collaboration with Odisha’s state government, and supported locally by the Udaygiri Buddha Mahotsav Committee, the event was aimed at commemorating the spiritual legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche.

The program was inaugurated on 12 January by Sikkim Minister Sonam Lama, along with Jajpur Member of Parliament Rabindra Narayan Behera, Barchana Legislative Member Amar Nayak, and others.

This event held a special significance as many believe that Guru Padmasambhava was born in Udaygiri, in modern-day Odisha’s Jajpur District, in the eighth century. Guru Rinpoche played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan region. His teachings have become the cornerstone of Vajrayana Buddhism, and he is regarded as a “second Buddha” for his essential contributions to establishing Buddhist practices and doctrines far beyond India.

Participants not only commemorated this legacy but also prayed for world peace during uncertain times marked by wildfires in Odisha and an earthquake in Tibet.

Jajpur MP Behera emphasized that Jajpur was an important district of India, being the birthplace of the poem and national song “Vande Mataram.” The Toshali dynasty of Emperor Ashoka (r. c. 268–232 BCE) was based in this district, with its capital at Radhanagar. Historically, Jajpur has also been a center of intellectual and cultural excellence.

The head of Padmasambhava Monastery in Jiranga, Odisha, said: “There has been [a] long-time aspiration in the hearts and minds of all the Buddhists who follow the teachings of Padmasambhava to hold such a gathering in memory and gratitude of Guru Padmasambhava. Especially here, in this holy place, because we believe and many historians now believe that Guru-ji probably was born in Odisha, but it is very sure that from here he carried the Buddhadharma to Tibet and the rest of the Himalayas.” (ANI)

Odisha’s Culture Minister, Suryavanshi Suraj, participated in a session, highlighting the importance of the state’s Buddhist sites in global spiritual tourism. He  noted that Odisha was a treasure trove of Buddhist heritage, with sites such as Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri offering profound insights into history and culture. Such gatherings, he said, were vital for promoting their heritage and sharing the timeless teachings of peace, compassion, and enlightenment worldwide.

Udaygiri, Lalitgiri, and Ratnagiri are collectively known as the Buddhist Golden Triangle in Odisha, with local Buddhists campaigning for the region’s designation as a World Heritage site.

“In an effort to attract more tourists, particularly overseas tourists, the authorities should chalk out plans to develop the famous Buddhist sites at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, known as the ‘diamond triangle’,” suggested Dhavarahu Dhummo, a monk from Cambodia. (The Times of India)

“I wish that this Guru Rinpoche Program will be held every year in Orissa, and that tourism will also be developed here along with Dharma because wherever there is a Buddhist shrine, a temple, or any other holy place, there are many tourists who go there. They get blessings from there,” said Sonam Lama. “I want to see tourists and devotees of Guru Rinpoche come to Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udaygiri.” (ANI)

See more 

Light of Buddhadharma Foundation5-daylong Buddhist chanting prog in Jajpur comes to an end (The Times of India)
Buddhist monks congregate in Odisha’s Ratnagiri, remember Guru Padmasambhava (The Print)
Over 1200 Buddhist monks from across the world gather in Odisha to participate in first Guru Padmasambhava Chanting Program (ANI)

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