IHAR Member Presents Research at 2nd International Conference on Guru Padmasambhava, Odisha

Udayagiri, Odisha | January 2026

The 2nd International Conference on Guru Padmasambhava and the Diamond Triangle was held at Udayagiri, Odisha, from January 14–15, 2026, bringing together scholars, historians, monks, and researchers to deliberate on the legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, Vajrayana Buddhism, and Odisha’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Among the presenters was Sri Rahul Ravi Rao, Senior Faculty Member in the Department of Pali, University of Mumbai, and an IHAR member, who presented an independent research paper titled “Revival of India’s Best Kept Secret: Buddhist Cultural Sites of Uddiyana.” His paper explored the historical, spiritual, and cultural significance of Uddiyana and its deep association with the life and legacy of Guru Padmasambhava.

The presentation highlighted Uddiyana’s pivotal role in the evolution and dissemination of Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly its influence on prominent Vajrayana schools that later flourished in Tibet and the Himalayan regions. A key scholarly contribution of the paper was its focus on the unique coexistence of the Three Yānas—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—within the same geographical space, demonstrating a rare continuity of Buddhist philosophical development over time.

Drawing upon archaeological, textual, and art-historical evidence, Sri Rao emphasized the importance of Odisha’s Buddhist sites within the Diamond Triangle of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri. He underscored the distinct identity of the Odisha School of Buddhist Art, particularly the evolution of votive stupas, which progressed from modest ritual structures to larger and more complex architectural forms. This transformation reflects both doctrinal changes and local artistic innovation.

The paper also stressed the urgent need to revive, preserve, and promote Odisha’s lesser-known Buddhist cultural sites, advocating their inclusion within a broader Buddhist Circuit. Such integration, it was argued, would enhance academic engagement, heritage conservation, and sustainable cultural tourism while reaffirming Odisha’s central place in India’s Buddhist history.

The conference was organized by the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International with support from the Department of Tourism, in association with the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, Government of Odisha. In recognition of scholarly contributions, Buddha statues were presented to distinguished presenters during the event.