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Showing posts with the label Buddhist History

Vaishya Tekri Ujjain: The Mysterious Ancient Stupa That May Be Larger Than Sanchi

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For nearly nine decades, a massive archaeological mound near Ujjain has remained only partially understood. Known as Vaishya Tekri , the site was excavated in 1938–39, when archaeologists identified the remains of an unusually large monument believed to be a Buddhist stupa. Now, after almost 90 years, the site has returned to the archaeological spotlight. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Madhya Pradesh government are pursuing renewed investigation and excavation at Vaishya Tekri. The most striking claim comes from the old excavation record: the monument was estimated to have a base of around 350 feet in diameter and a height of at least 100 feet . For comparison, the present Great Stupa at Sanchi is about 54 feet high. However, whether Vaishya Tekri was actually larger than Sanchi—and whether it was specifically built under Emperor Ashoka—still requires scientific verification.  What Is Vaishya Tekri? Vaishya Tekri is an ancient archaeological mound at Undasa in Ujj...

Vaishya Tekri Ujjain: The Mysterious Ancient Stupa That May Be Larger Than Sanchi

Image
For nearly nine decades, a massive archaeological mound near Ujjain has remained only partially understood. Known as Vaishya Tekri , the site was excavated in 1938–39, when archaeologists identified the remains of an unusually large monument believed to be a Buddhist stupa. Now, after almost 90 years, the site has returned to the archaeological spotlight. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Madhya Pradesh government are pursuing renewed investigation and excavation at Vaishya Tekri. The most striking claim comes from the old excavation record: the monument was estimated to have a base of around 350 feet in diameter and a height of at least 100 feet . For comparison, the present Great Stupa at Sanchi is about 54 feet high. However, whether Vaishya Tekri was actually larger than Sanchi—and whether it was specifically built under Emperor Ashoka—still requires scientific verification.  What Is Vaishya Tekri? Vaishya Tekri is an ancient archaeological mound at Undasa in Ujj...

Sri Lanka Unearths 17 Gold-Plated Buddha Statues Dating Back to the 7th or 8th Century

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Sri Lankan archaeologists have uncovered 17 gold-plated Buddha statues during an archaeological excavation at the historic Abhayagiri complex in Anuradhapura . The discovery was made at the Kaparamula premises of the ancient Buddhist complex. According to reports, the statues are believed to date from the 7th or 8th century AD , making them roughly 1,200 to 1,300 years old .  The discovery has attracted attention because the statues were found together during ongoing archaeological work at one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient Buddhist sites. 17 Buddha Statues Found at Abhayagiri The statues were uncovered while archaeologists were working at the Kaparamula area of the Abhayagiri complex in Anuradhapura. The newly discovered objects are described as gold-plated Buddha statues . Their artistic style has been linked to Buddhist images from the 7th and 8th centuries, although further examination will be important for establishing more precise details about their date and origin....

Lost Buddhist Universities of Ancient India: History, Legacy & Archaeology (2026)

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Imagine a time when thousands of students from China, Tibet, Korea, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia traveled thousands of kilometers—not to Europe, but to India. They crossed mountains, deserts, and forests in search of wisdom at some of the world's oldest universities. Long before modern universities appeared, ancient India was home to remarkable Buddhist centers of higher education. These institutions were far more than monasteries. They served as international universities where philosophy, medicine, astronomy, grammar, mathematics, logic, literature, and Buddhist studies were taught by renowned scholars. Although many of these universities were eventually destroyed or abandoned, archaeological discoveries continue to reveal their extraordinary history. Today, their ruins stand as silent reminders of an intellectual tradition that shaped Asia for centuries. This article explores the history, architecture, archaeological discoveries, and enduring legacy of the lost Bu...

Sankisa (Sankasya): The Sacred Buddhist Site Where the Buddha Descended from Tavatimsa Heaven

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The Buddha Preaching in Heaven, Thailand(painting) Among India's many ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Sankisa , also known as Sankasya , occupies a unique place in Buddhist tradition. Located in the Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh , Sankisa is revered as the sacred place where Gautama Buddha descended from Tavatimsa Heaven after spending three months teaching the Dhamma to his mother, Queen Mahamaya. Unlike Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, or Kushinagar—which are directly associated with major events in the Buddha's earthly life—Sankisa commemorates an event deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition and symbolism. Over the centuries, it became a flourishing center of pilgrimage, attracting monks, scholars, emperors, and travelers from across Asia. Today, its archaeological remains continue to preserve the memory of one of Buddhism's most fascinating sacred sites. Where is Sankisa? Location in india Sankisa is situated in Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India , approxim...

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