Pakistan: Why are the stupa in Taxila special for Buddhist devotees?

Buddhism is one of the major religions in the world, but it has very few followers in Pakistan. Despite this, there are ancient places and precious artefacts for those who believe in Gautama Buddha.

For the last few years, work is going on on various projects including the Kartarpur Corridor to promote religious tourism in the country. Also, keep in mind the interest of foreign tourists in Gandhara civilization, religious programs related to Buddhism are also being started.

Taxila is considered an important centre of Buddhist education from the fifth century BCE to the second century BCE. There are various stupas, places of worship and archaeological remains which can give a boost to religious tourism.

These places are not only one of the ancient sites of Pakistan, but they also have the status of an important place of worship among Buddhist followers. In India, Myanmar, Nepal and Korea, there are a large number of people who believe in this religion.

A special puja ceremony was held for the first time since the seventh century at an ancient site for Buddhist followers at Taxila in the last week. Under the supervision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archeology Department, the ceremony took place near Bhimala Stupa in Haripur district. The Buddhist monks gave the message of peace and salvation here.

In this regard, the monks said, ‘For us, there are seven holiest places in the world. This is the most sacred place among them. This means that the power of the entire universe is gathered here.

“This is an important place for us. This place has a unique impact on us.”

This place is situated on a natural hill near Khanpur Dam. Interestingly, this ancient site is like a cross from above and with its unique appearance, it is one of the last traces of Gandhara civilization.

To reach Bhimala Stupa, a road is near Khanpur Dam. The condition of the road is not so good, but the view of Haru river in the plains removes the tiredness of the journey.

This ancient stupa was discovered in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Sir John Marshall, who also discovered Muyanjodaro in the boy city of Sindh. Some remnants of this historical site included in the UNESCO list can also be seen in Taxila Museum.

After reaching this place and climbing dozens of stairs you will see a cross-shaped stupa where the students of Hazara University are often busy in the inspection. Has been excavated thrice regularly. Experts are hopeful about important discoveries here.

There are stairs around the stupa and this is where Buddhist followers come to worship. Here lime sculptures, places of worship and antiques can be easily seen.

Experts say that the Buddha statue from Bhimala Stupa is of Kanjur stone and is probably one of the oldest Buddhist statues in the region.

Abdul Nasir, the curator of the Taxila Museum told the media that ‘Heda in Afghanistan and Taxila in Pakistan are famous all over the world for the remains of the Gandhara civilization.’

‘The art associated with Gandhara civilization is popular all over the world. The purpose of this art was the promotion and worship of religion.

He says that ‘this art was made by monks not in homes but in a stupa. The way we (Muslim) build mosques, similarly these idols mark special worship practices. ‘

‘The clothes, jewellery and styles of these idols look almost the same all over the world.’

Regarding the idols recovered from Bhimala Stupa, he said that ‘the special thing about the dream of Buddha dream is that Gautama represents Buddha’s departure from the world.’

Religious harmony is necessary for religious tourism

Sadaf Raza, one of the organizers of the event at the stupa said that the monks have come here from Korea to see what can be done with the government of Pakistan in the context of Gandhara civilization in Pakistan.

“If we open these places for them and work for the betterment of them, then not only will tourism be encouraged in our country, but they will get their place of peace.”

This puja was also unique because its purpose was to promote peace in this area.

The monk Dr Sinam also expressed concern over the Kashmir issue during the ceremony.

Talking to the media, he expressed his wish that he wants to see peace and security in this area so that religious harmony will be promoted.

He said, ‘We are all one. For us Pakistan is like our country. Whether you believe in Buddhism or believe in Islam, we are all one. ‘

He said, ‘If we hate each other or want to destroy each other, God does not want this. We are disobeying God’s orders.

‘I want to bring peace to this area because we are all the same.’

During this special ritual, the monk Dr Sinam offered milk and fruits in the places of worship and monasteries here.

Originally published at https://www.mubahisa.in.