Buddhist Archaeological Sites: Hidden Excavations That Reveal the Early Spread of Buddhism

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  Introduction Buddhist archaeological sites offer invaluable insight into the early history of Buddhism and its peaceful spread across Asia. From rock-cut caves and monasteries to ancient stupas and stone reliefs, these excavations preserve physical evidence of the Buddha’s teachings, monastic life , and artistic traditions that flourished over centuries. Many of these sites remained hidden for centuries before being rediscovered through systematic archaeological excavations. This article explores the significance of Buddhist archaeological sites, major excavation centers, and how these discoveries help us understand early Buddhism. What Are Buddhist Archaeological Sites? Buddhist archaeological sites are locations where physical remains related to Buddhism have been discovered through excavation. These include: • Monasteries ( Viharas ) • Stupas and relic shrines • Rock-cut caves • Sculptures and inscriptions • Ancient manuscripts and seals Such sites date mainly from th...
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Sarnath

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SARNATH where the lord Buddha first taught about DHARMA and sangh came in existence.


 Sarnath is a place located 10 km north-east of varansi near confluence of ganga and varuna river in uttar Pradesh in india.the massive stupa located in sarnath is dhamek stupa 13 km away from varansi. Dhamek stupa is said to mark the spot where the Buddha gave the first sermon to his first five bhamins discipline after attaining enlightenment"revelling his eightfold path leading to NIRVANA. 
                        dhamek stuap
In its current shape the stupa is a soild cylinder bricks and stones height about 43.6 meter and it diameter about 28 m.the wall is covered with curved figure of humans and birdsand inscription in brahmi script.


The dhamek stupa was built in 500 CE.to replace an earlier structure commissioned by the ashoka the great in 249 BCE.chinese buddhist monk Xuanzang visited sarnath in 640 BCE , he recorded the height of stupa to be about 91 and reported that about 1500 Buddhist monks are lived here.During the period of mughal and Turkish some part of sarnath was completely destroyed.
In 1836 the excavations done at this place and remains of ashoka period have been taken out.In 1905 the government of india started the restoration and rejuvenation of  this place.

Comments

  1. Ashish sagarApril 20, 2020 at 6:46 AM

    Namo buddhye dosto
    Buddhye ki mahima apar hai jo gyan ki khoj me ghar tyag diye. Aur jis maut se insan darta hai useki styata ko janane ke liye 6 warso ki katin tapasya ki 🙏🙏🙏

    ReplyDelete
  2. Abhishek sonkerSeptember 2, 2020 at 10:35 AM

    Nice

    ReplyDelete

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