Buddha Vihar in Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga), Karnataka, is a prominent Buddhist spiritual center and architectural marvel that embodies peace, non-violence, and cultural heritage.
🏛️ Overview
Inaugurated on January 7, 2007, by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Buddha Vihar was developed by the Siddharth Vihar Trust under the guidance of Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Indian politician and the trust's founder-chairman . The complex spans 18 acres near Gulbarga University on Sedam Road, approximately 6 km from the city center .
🧱 Architecture & Features
Design Inspiration: The Vihar's architecture draws from renowned Buddhist sites like Sanchi, Sarnath, Ajanta, and Nagpur, reflecting traditional Buddhist architectural elements .
Main Structure: The central dome, standing 70 feet tall with a 59-foot diameter, is adorned with marble tiles and topped with a panchaloha (five-metal alloy) spire and kalasha .
Sculptures: Inside, a 6-foot black stone idol of Lord Buddha, sculpted by Ashoka Gudikara of Bidadi, graces the ground floor, while a gold-plated Buddha statue from Bangkok is displayed on the first floor .
Ashoka Pillars: Four 48-foot tall Ashoka pillars stand at each corner of the complex, symbolizing the four noble truths of Buddhism .
Additional Facilities: The Vihar includes a meditation center, museum, auditorium, guesthouses, and a dining hall, serving both spiritual and educational purposes .
🕒 Visiting Hours
Morning: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Visitors are encouraged to maintain silence to preserve the site's tranquil atmosphere .
🚗 How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is in Hyderabad, approximately 235 km away.
By Train: Kalaburagi Railway Station is about 2 km from the city center and is well-connected to major cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi .
By Road: Kalaburagi is accessible via state and national highways,...
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