The seal bears a Dharani mantra in Sanskrit, inscribed in late Brahmi script. The inscription reads: "Ye Dharma hetu prabhava heti, stesam tathagato hyavadata tesam cha and yo nirodha evamvadi mahasramana (Of all phenomena (dharmas) that arise from causes, The Tathagata has explained their causes, And also what their cessation is. Thus has proclaimed the Great Ascetic)" — a powerful Buddhist verse encapsulating the essence of the Buddha’s teachings.

"This mantra is one of the most revered in Buddhism, often associated with spiritual protection and enlightenment," said Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak, Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI’s Puri Circle. Alongside the seal, excavators also uncovered four neck portions of Buddha stone images and the remains of a rectangular shrine complex.

A Treasure Trove of Buddhist Heritage

The current excavation at Ratnagiri, which resumed in December 2023 after a 60-year hiatus, has already yielded remarkable finds. Among them are three giant Buddha heads, numerous votive stupas, fortification walls, and other artifacts that highlight the site’s historical significance.

First documented in 1905 by Manmohan Chakravarty, then Sub-Divisional Officer of Jajpur, Ratnagiri—meaning "Hill of Jewels" — rose to prominence following large-scale excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) between 1958 and 1961. Led by renowned archaeologist Debala Mitra, these excavations revealed a sprawling Buddhist monastic complex, including:

- A massive brick-built stupa
- Three large monastic complexes
- Eight temple remains
- Over 700 monolithic votive stupas
- Countless Buddha sculptures and artifacts

A Rival to Nalanda and Bodh Gaya

Dr. Sunil Patnaik, Secretary of the Odisha Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS), emphasized Ratnagiri’s importance, stating that it "rivals Nalanda in architectural grandeur and Bodh Gaya in its collection of monolithic stupas."

Part of Odisha’s famed ‘Diamond Triangle’ — alongside Lalitgiri and Udayagiri — Ratnagiri is poised to become a major pilgrimage and tourist destination. The ongoing excavation, involving a team of 15 archaeologists and experts, continues to uncover fresh insights into the region’s Buddhist past.

With each new discovery, Ratnagiri reaffirms its status as a jewel in India’s archaeological crown, offering a window into the spiritual and artistic legacy of ancient Buddhism.

Further excavations are expected to reveal more hidden treasures as researchers delve deeper into this historic site.