Numerous excavations by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been conducted at Udayagiri since 1958. The Udayagiri Site 1, the first site to be excavated, is in a depression between two valleys. In the excavations done between 1985–86 and 1989–90 at the Udayagiri Site 2, the antiquities exposed consisted of a Buddhist Monastic complex enclosed within a compound wall, including a stupa of height with four images of
dhyani Buddhas fixed at its four cardinal points. On the basis of the epigraphical evidence, archaeologist have inferred that this site is "Madhavapura Mahavihara". During the large excavation from 1997 to 2000, a second part of Udayagiri-2 was discovered with additional stupas and monasteries. These antiquities consist of two eighth century monastic complexes, statues of
Buddha,
Tara,
Manjusri,
Avalokiteśvara,
Jatamukuta Lokesvara and many
terracotta (earthenware) seals. A
stepped stone well with epigraphic inscriptions has also been discovered. Also seen near one of the entry gates at the site is a human figure swinging on a rope, with eyes closed, in a state of perfect happiness. During the recent investigations conducted between 2001 and 2004 the antiquities unearthed included a stone finish flooring in the foreground of the excavated monastery, the main drain of the monastery flowing out to the north, a large stone raised platform in size built in seven layers with
ashlar masonry accessed through a series of steps, and marked in its northern end by a chandrashila (moon rock). Also found were
apsidal chaitya-grihas (an old one replaced by another built in brick) facing east with a
stupa deified in it, built with stone and bricks, founded on the raised platform, and remnants of stone
jali embellished with the theme of a three-hooked
snake inferred as
gavakshas (horse-shoe arches). (left), holding an upraised sword (his attribute) and a chauri, partially broken off. To the right is
Avalokiteshvara, holding a lotus and chauri. Images of Tara in the form of Tara Kurukulla or Kurukulla Tara have been reported from Udayagiri and also from Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri; these are an
emanation form of
Amitābha seated in a
lalitasana posture. Images of
Hariti have been found in Udayagiri and also in Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri. This image portrays the goodess in a seated position breast feeding a child or with the child seated on its lap. Hariti was once a child abductor, but Buddha persuaded her to become the protector of children. Also seen in the western, southern and northern parts of the chaitya-griha are remnants of a number of stupas in three groups, built in stone with only their plain plinths seen in a preserved state. An important discovery in the precincts of the chaitya-griha, is of statues of Avalokiteswara,
Tathāgata, Bhikruti-Tara and Chunda embedded in niches, marking the four cardinal points. Other findings are of 14 stupas (built in brick with mud mortar) dated between the 1st and 12th centuries, and also many 5th- to 13th-century
epigraphs.
Votive stupas, made of stone, are also seen along a stone paved path. At the eastern part of the chaitya-griha are residential houses consisting of six rooms with artifacts of domestic goods. Though located only away from Ratnagiri, the site has not revealed any artifacts which could provide a link to the
Vajrayana tantric cult found at Ratnagiri. ==Gallery==