Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery
Dharmarajika Stupa And Monastery things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Pakistan: In Search of Gandhara
Irene MartinIrene Martin
342
The oldest and largest Buddhist complex of Dharmarajika stupa or locally known as Chir Tope, is located on an eastern route along the Tamra stream, south of Hathial, about three kilometers from Taxila Museum. The origin of the name Dharmarajika lies in the fact that the stupa was erected over the body relics of Gautama Buddha, the true Dharmaraja. Taxila was one of the many cities in the Maurya Empire which received a share of the holy relics from Ashoka. The Dharmarajika Stupa was erected by Ashoka himself to enshrine the relics share. The Dharmarajika complex covers almost the entire period of the history of Buddhism in Taxila from 3rd century BCE to 7th century CE. The main stupa was constructed during the Mauryan period but suffered after an earthquake in 40 CE. It was rebuilt twice in the Kushana period. The whole complex at the Dharmarajika falls into two parts; the first part comprises a medley of constructions of several types and is called the stupa area; and the second part, which is located to its north, is called the monastic area. The main stupa is built in a circular plan, with a 131 feet wide diameter and a 45 feet high drum. The stupa is constructed in solid masonry and has a raised terrace around its base which was ascended by four flights of steps. The structure is surrounded by an open paved passage, which served in ancient days as a procession path. The courtyard of the stupa area is further bordered by numerous other chapels and several votive stupas, erected by the pilgrims and visitors, dating from 1st century BCE to 1st century CE and from 3rd to 5th century CE, respectively. These stupas were decorated with Buddha images and figurines. To the north of the great stupa lie the monastic area which formed the living quarters and workspaces for monks. Several objects have been excavated from Dharmarajika Stupa, all of which have been preserved and displayed at Taxila Museum. Among these the most remarkable finding was that of a reliquary in one of the side chapels containing a silver scroll, which records the enshrinement of Buddha relics at Dharmarajika Stupa. In 1917 a casket was found here which contained the relics of Lord Buddha. This was presented by the then viceroy of British India to the Buddhists Community of Ceylon and has since been enshrined in the Temple of Tooth at Kandy city in Sri Lanka. Dharmarajika was excavated in 1912 - 1916 by Mr. Ghulam Qadir under the directions of Sir John Marshall and in 1934 - 1936 by Mr. A.D. Siddiqui. In 1980, it was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance.
Latif Ur Rehman (Myart)Latif Ur Rehman (Myart)
00
500Rupees for entrance fee With a huge stupa in the middle and the main entrance leading to the once celebrated Buddhist stupa, it is now engulfed by natural elements. The multitudes of mini stupas donated by locals back then have also disappeared. Random holes that would make no sense now were actually places where people made their donations hence coins have ben discovered on site. As the largest and earliest religious complex in Taxila, it was constructed to enshrine the holy relic of the Buddha by King Asoka the Great. A box with Buddha relics was found inside one of the many stupas. Destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt twice, it was wrecked by the White Huns when they invaded in the 5th century. Since many empires have fought over the area due to it being at the centre of the trade routes, once that stopped, surrounding cities became less important and thus was eventually abandoned. The 11 m tall Buddha statues only exists in an intangible fashion and looking at the broken pieces make you realise that nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest of empires and the most glorious of times will eventually fall.
Fawaad ButtFawaad Butt
20
It is a Buddhist religious place. The department of archeology of Government of Punjab is maintaining this world heritage site. The best time to visit is early in the morning till noon as when more visitors come, it creates distraction. It's advisable if we don't show precious articles like cell phone, sun glasses, wrist watch etc. One can sit n study here for longer times. It is at considerable elevation from road level. Persons with knee joints problems, may experience difficulty reaching there. To understand this place fully, advance study is helpful. It's lay out is in planned order. The told discovery of gold safety pins and ornaments from this site, creates a question about Buddhist life style and presence of such things. One can view surroundings after reaching out there. The place inherently requires silence to absorb it. The images on the walls, communicate different situations, meditation and yoga postures. A good place to visit with family to have basic understanding of Buddhism. On public holidays, local youngsters, may create a nuisance to some extent.
Muhammad YunusMuhammad Yunus
00
To visit this place made me feel enlighted. I cant describe the overwelming feelings moving back to another era Dharmarajika stupa and the ruins is 10 minutes drive or 3 kilometers from Taxila Museum,the stupa contains the relics of the Buddha build by Indian king Ashoka. A box with Buddha relics was found inside one of the many stupas. Destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt twice, it was wrecked by the White Huns when they invaded in the 5th century. Since many empires have fought over the area due to it being at the centre of the trade routes, once that stopped, surrounding cities became less important and thus was eventually abandoned. Taxila is considered one of the eight largest stupa's in south asia, Monasteries and the classrooms are of particulate interest one class room for each teacher and child, build around in a circle with one central class room, gives you an idea how in ancient times and in Buddhism education was considered scared duty
Jamal RasheedJamal Rasheed
30
If you're into witnessing relics of thousands of years old civilisations, then this is a must see! From the random but intricate stone laying of the walls to the precision cut to size foundations, it is an intriguing experience. The walls of the ruins tell you where rooms, and corridors, entrances, steps, and much more existed. They tell you of a civilisation that achieved architectural excellence so long ago. The sheer beauty of proportion and symmetry is evident in the details that survived. You get to witness that the details and proportions of intricate furniture was achieved in heavy stone carving. The sheer scale of the place makes you wonder how it was achieved in the absence of modern day machines.
Usama Bin MuradUsama Bin Murad
00
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PRVR+RVF, PMO Colony Rd, Taxila, Pakistan
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The Dharmarajika Stupa, also referred to as the Great Stupa of Taxila, is a Buddhist stupa near Taxila, Pakistan. It was built over the relics of the Buddha by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
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