Odishan Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies Secretary Dr Sunil Patnaik spoke on a topic on “Buddhist Stupa: Symbols and Significance” at the 166th ‘Meet the Artist’ programme held in the premises of the Jatin Das Centre of Arts (JDCA) here on Saturday.
Patnaik explained the structure of stupas and their different parts like umbrella, mast, dome, railings, toranas, etc. Through a slide show presentation, he showcased the plan and elevation of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, lumbini in Nepal and the Hinayana stupa and many more. He also referred to the Buddhist stupas in Odisha including those at lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and lagudi hills.
Patnaik’s distinguished career includes major field research in the Archaeological Excavation Harshka Tilla, Kurukshetra, Haryana and archaeological excavations at lalitgiri and other excavations. He has also travelled extensively in Malaysia, Sri lanka, Thailand, Russia and Nepal for study and promotion of the Buddhist heritage and tourism.
His important research publications include Buddhist Heritage of Odisha, Puri the Divine Destination and Buddhism and Maritime Heritage of South East Asia.
Among others, linguist Dr Debi Prasanna Pattanayak and former diplomat Abasar Beuria were present on the occasion.