HONG KONG
OMAN UZBEKISTAN
Let's IRAN
CHINA
CAMBODIA
INDONESIA MACAU
SOUTH KOREA KYRGYZSTAN
NEPAL
SYRIA
IRAQ
QATAR
TAJIKISTAN
JAPAN
JORDAN BHUTAN INDIA
MALDIVES
Unite
BRUNEI
TURKMENISTAN
SINGAPORE MONGOLIA
for
ISRAEL
EGYPT
SAUDI ARABIAYEMEN
AFGHANISTAN
KUWAIT
THAILAND MALAYSIA
LEBANON PAKISTAN
CYPRUS BUDDHA
GEORGIA
NORTH
KOREA
TURKEY ARMENIA SRI LANKA
TIMOR-LESTE
to bring
AZERBAIJAN PALESTINE
Peace
PHILIPPINES DARUSSALAM
Cultural UnionBAHRAIN
VIETNAM
BANGLADESH
Economic
Development
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
in MYANMAR
LAOS TAIWAN
RUSSIA Asia
ABKHAZIA KAZAKHSTAN
A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
INTRODUCTION
A religion is defined by its philosophy, ethical rituals and its history. The history carries the
true legacy of a religion in form of deities, traditions, scriptures, sacred monuments and
spiritual places. These sacred monuments and spiritual places contain the positive
vibrations to guide mankind to walk on the path of ethics. When these monuments start
losing their existence, then a religion also starts losing its history and one day in future it
could be judged as a myth.
Sacred stupas were the ancient spiritual structures built in India which were regarded as
symbols of Buddha. After His Mahaparinirvana 2500 years ago these stupas were built
initially in form of hemispherical dome by placing the relics of Buddha in them. Monks
used to meditate, circumambulate (Parikarma) and worship these stupas as they were
personified as Buddha Himself. Later, with the passage of time the stupas were built
throughout Asia wherever the enlightening teachings of Buddha were preached.
WHY A SIGN CAMPAIGN IS NEEDED?
It was with the transformational efforts of king Ashoka who strengthened and spread
Buddha's teachings that a large number of stupas, monasteries and art works were
constructed. King Ashoka took special care that stupas should be built at those places
which Buddha had visited during His life time. After Ashoka, different dynastic
rulers gave different designs to these stupas in their respective regimes and propagated
the teachings of Buddha.
Later, with the passage of time these monuments suffered severe atrocities from the
natural calamities and different dynastic rulers. As a result, countless monuments lost
their existence. Today if we look back into the past, it is the existence of these monuments
which has saved Buddha's teachings from being lost in time. Nearly after 2500 years of
passing of Buddha we are left only with a handful of ancient Buddhist sites in Asia which
are in a neglected and miserable condition. In order to preserve the existence of these
monuments in future, this international sign campaign “Save Stupas Save Buddha” is
being launched. At present if we don't preserve them we shall be neglecting our cultural
heritage and hallmark of The Great Master.
OBJECTIVES
This international sign campaign is being launched with two major objectives:
1.
To preserve and create awareness among the people about the ancient Buddhist
sites in Asia in neglected condition.
2.
To form an international body, which will collaborate with the Government of
Asian countries for promotion, preservation and research of ancient Buddhist sites
and monuments throughout Asia.
Your valuable signatures will be submitted to Prime Minister of Japan as a global appeal
to form an international body for the preservation of the Buddhist monuments and sites all
over Asia which can further strengthen peace and harmony among the Asian countries.
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NATURE OF THIS SIGN CAMPAIGN
"Save Stupas Save Buddha” is a sign campaign which is non-religious, non- political
and non-sectarian, non-voilance in attitude. This campaign will initiate people around the
world from different nationalities, cultures, religions and sects to bring the Asian countries
on common platform of peace , cultural union and economic development.
LINE OF ACTION
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
INVITING FOR PARTICIPATION
1) Intenational personalities
2) N.G.O'S
3) Religious organization of
different Religions
4) Educational Institutes
and Universities
5) Business Houses
SEEKING SUPPORT FROM
INTERNATIONAL BODIES LIKE
1) The Association of
Southeast Asian Nations
2) Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific
3) World Tourism Organization
4) South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation
5) Commonwealth of Nations
6) World Association of Newspapers
7) International Council on
Monuments and Sites
8) Union of International Associations
STAGE 3
Requesting All The Government's
Of Asian Countries To Unite For
Making An International Body For
The Preservation Of The Buddhist
Monuments All Over Asia.
ADVANTAGES FROM THIS ORGANIZATION
1. Record of all the Ancient Buddhist monuments under one roof
With the formation of an international body all the historical Buddhist sites, monuments,
art work and Buddhist cultures in various Asian Countries till today can be recorded and
preserved. In order to keep the legacy or existence of Buddha's Teaching Dharma in the
future preservation and records of all the Ancient Buddhist monuments and sites all over
Asia is the urgent need of the hour.
Proper funding for the preservation and conservation of newly excavated and
already well preserved ancient Buddhist sites all over Asia .
The International organization will initiate to upgrade the better and well preserved
monuments in Asia so that they could be raised to higher level of art and promotion
around the globe. Majority of Asian countries in past have experienced the richness
of the Buddhist culture and arts. Hence the Buddhist art can act as a catalyst to unify
the Asian countries towards peace, prosperity and harmony.
2.
3. Building national economy
When various Asian countries will place their well preserved historical and spiritual
monuments on their National tourist map, the foreign currency will be increased
with the inflow of International tourists. In today's world terrorism and violent
organizations is major concern among Asian countries as these organizations are
engulfing youth due to unemployment problems in local areas. With the promotion of
these ancient monuments with new tactics and outlook schemes, employment for
the local youth will be generated in areas like Transportation, hotels, local small
scale industrial units etc. which would help in building the nation economically rich
and culturally stronger.
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A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
4.
Cultural unification of Asian countries towards peace and prosperity
We strongly believe that if the international organization is set up then one of its fund
raising activities will always be collection of 1 Dollar/Rupee/Yen/Yuan or any
national currency from one person every month from their respective nations for
participation and involvement of masses at grassroot level. It will create a direct link
of attachment between the donors, organization and monuments. Only after such
kind of participation and commitment from people of different religions, sects and
nationalities only we can say that we are moving towards peace and can create a
violence free world for future generation.
5. Helping in case of natural calamities in Asia and world
In today's world the increasing natural disasters in the forms of Cyclones,
Earthquakes, Famines, Floods, Tornadoes and Tsunamis are posing great threat to
every nation of the world. They also pose a great danger to human lives and all
round economy of the nation. Hence an International organization of this kind with a
global outlook can help to generate the funds for the victims of the natural disasters
at a rapid pace so that damage to lives and the property can be reduced to its maximum.
CURRENT STATUS OF THIS INTERNATIONAL SIGN CAMPAIGN
The first phase of this sign campaign was launched in March 12, 2009 from Chaneti
stupa, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India with the blessings of Ven. Lama Chosphel
Zotpa. On December 30, 2009 the Buddhist Forum submitted 21,000 signatures of
participant from different parts of India and world to Honorable President of India Smt.
Pratibha Devi Singh Patil with above objectives.
OUR SUPPORTERS
H.H Sangharaj Dharmasen Mahathero
Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh.
Ven. Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche
Former PM In Exile of Tibet ,
Dharamshala (India)
Dr. Pranav Pandya,M.D
Head : Gayatri Parivar,
One of largest N.G.O of India.
Padma Ratna Tuladhar
Human Right Activist, Nepal.
Matiur Rahman
Ramon Magsaysay awardee 2005
Editor Prothom Alo ,
A leading news paper of Bangladesh.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Nobel Peace Prize 1991
Pro Democracy Burmese Leader.
Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne
Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 1969
Founder Sarvodhya ,
One of largest N.G.O. of Sri Lanka .
Syed Mumtaz Alam Gillani
Member, National Assembly Pakistan
Founder Member, Pakistan People Party
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed
Ramon Magsaysay awardee 1980
Founder and chairperson, BRAC ( Bangladesh)
World biggest N.G.O .
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A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
A CASE STUDY ON
BUDDHIST SITES IN INDIA
ALARMING CONDITION OF BUDDHIST MONUMENTS IN INDIA
In order to justify our cause of campaign we have selected monuments
from various states of India. It was observed that the deteriorating
conditions of Buddhist sites and monuments are similar and uniform
throughout India.
BARAMULLA
CHAITRU
ASANDH
MATHURA
MOTHIHARI
PANGURIA
TALPUR
LANGUDI HILLS
KAIMA HILLS
NALASOPARA
KARAD CAVES
PHANIGIRI
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BUDDHIST SITE AT USHKUR (J&K)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Ushkur , Distt. Baramulla , Kashmir
Half a mile from the Baramulla dak bangalow
Archaeological Survey of India
2nd - 7th century A.D
INTRODUCTION
The village of Ushkar or Wushkur was called Huviskapura. According to historian
Kalhana, the city was founded by Huvishka, the great Kushan king in the second century
A.D. Later in eighth century A.D it was King Lalitaditya who build here a large vihara with
a stupa. In 1882 Mr. Garrick carried out excavations at this site . He excavated this mound
which was a stupa of squared stones, held together with iron clamps. Here he also found
copper plates buried in this mound .
PRESENT SITUATION
1.The remains of stupa are degrading day by day
2.The site lacks the effective preservation
measures adopted by authority .
3 Insufficient security measures .
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BUDDHIST SITE AT CHAITRU (HIMACHAL PRADESH)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Village Chaitru , Distt. Kangra
5 miles North-West of Kangra
Archeological Survey of India
1st century B.C
INTRODUCTION
The mound at Chaitru is known as Bhim Tila. It stands on the east bank of the Manjhi
stream and was lately intersected by the road to Dharamsala. During excavation at
this site, a huge Buddhist stupa with idol Buddha and a Buddha head were
recovered. Presently these monuments are kept at Lahore museum. Inscription
from the site was also recovered. Presently the site has been transformed into a park.
1.
2.
3.
4.
PRESENT SITUATION
Security measure is not enough.
The remains of ancient stupa is in wretched
condition.
Generally the stray dogs are found near the
stupa remains which is a disgrace to sacred
structure.
The site is in isolation without any further
excavation work towards monuments.
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BUDDHIST STUPA AT ASANDH (HARYANA)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Asandh, Distt. Karnal
Jhimaro Ka Mohalla at Asandh town
Archaeological Survey of India
1st Century B.C
INTRODUCTION
This gigantic stupa can be listed among the tallest stupas of India. It is an important
town with a huge mound being constantly encroached by modern town. It has
yielded Painted Grey Ware, ancient and historic pottery, Kushana coins and bricks,
Yaudheya coins and medieval relics. This Kushana stupa at Asandh has been
transformed into a huge mound which is popularly known as Jarasandh Ka Qila. It is
located at a distance of about 40 km south west of Karnal district of Haryana. The
Stupa must have originally been a very gigantic structure as the mound still rises to
height of more than 25 meters. It is in shape of a circular drum with a circular wall
made of baked bricks in which as many as 44 courses of bricks were noticed. The
bricks used are approximately 35 cm x 23cm x 5cm in dimensions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
PRESENT SITUATION
The ancient site of stupa has been acquired
by Government but does not have any
complete fencing for security of this historical
monument. Generally human excreta are
found all over the holy dome.
The area around the stupa has been
constantly encroached by the local people
residing around it. Bricks are casually pilfered
from the stupa.
The children are found playing on this ancient
stupa which damages it a lot.
Preservation and restoration work for this
stupa is still not effective.
The site does not have warning sign board.
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BUDDHIST SITE AT MATHURA (UTTAR PRADESH)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Govindnagar, Near Railway Station
Uttar Pradesh State Archeology Deptt.
Harappan era
INTRODUCTION
Pre Mauryan, Mauryan and Sunga deposit underlies the Kushan and Gupta deposit
at the site of Govindnagar. This area formed the largest series of Buddhist sites in
the Braj region starting from around Katra and continuing up to Chaubara,
Girdharpur sites with little space left between them. An inscription from Govindnagar
mentions the name of a monastery as Viradatta Vihara.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
PRESENT SITUATION
The ancient site is being continuously
encroached.
There is no fencing for the protection of this
valuable site.
Insufficient security measures are being
adopted by the authorities.
Smuggling of artifacts is being commonly
observed.
The excavation work at this site is done
partially.
Huge unwanted grass is found on the site.
The site has become the spot for dumping
garbage and cow dung.
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A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
BUDDHIST SITE AT PANGURIA AND TALPUR (MADHYA PRADESH)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Vill. Panguria and Vill. Talpura , Distt. Sehore
500 m from the Budhni-Rehti road
Archeological Survey of India
3rd century B.C
INTRODUCTION
Panguria
Saru-Maru-ki-Kothadi contains two Ashokan inscriptions: one of them is a Minor
Rock Edict. Dozens of stupas with their diameters ranging from 2 to 16 meters have
been noticed. Water troughs within rubble enclosures have been located. On the
ground level, in front of the site is the maha-stupa, about 76 meter in diameter and
also a Pradakshina-patha. A trial trench in the centre of the stupa revealed its filling.
Talpura
To the east of the above complex at the distance of 20 meters two stupas have been
found adjoining each other and are comparatively well-preserved. The stupas are
surrounded by 1.0 m wide and 1.50 m high terrace, with steps. A stone with mortise
for the shaft of the chhatra and 21-cm corner upright have holes for fixing railing stones
were discovered. It may be noted that the central portion of the stupas has been
systematically plundered. A stone slab bearing an inscription in Brahmi characters, was
collected from the village.
PRESENT SITUATION
1.
2.
3.
The site does not have the fencing in order to
check the trespassers.
Bushes and unwanted huge grass are growing
casually around the site.
Lack of proper security system at the site.
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A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
BUDDHIST STUPA AT MOTHIHARI (BIHAR)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
Period
:
:
:
:
Motihari , Distt. East Champaran
Village Kesaria
Archaeological Survey of India
2nd -7th century A.D
INTRODUCTION
Motihari is reported to have the tallest and the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world,
following its discovery in 1998 through excavation by the Archaeological Survey of
India. The stupa is a six floored structure. There are several niches provided in the
stupa which were made to keep the idols of Buddha. At present the stupa touches a
height of 104 feet which might have been reduced due to the natural calamities from
its original height. It is still one foot taller than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Java
which in past was considered to be the highest stupa of the world. Legend states that
Buddha, on his last Journey is reported to have spent a memorable night at Kesaria .
PRESENT SITUATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The ancient site of stupa does not have any
complete security fencing.
The children from local village play over the
stupa .
Trespassers and visitors also tend to disturb
the idols currently kept in the stupa.
Animals like goats and cows are found
grazing over the stupa.
Half of the stupa is still unexcavated and
other half stupa which was renovated
sometime back, has also started degrading.
Illicit writings are commonly observed on
the stupa.
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A VOICE FOR PEACE FOR GLOBAL INTEGRATION
BUDDHIST SITE AT LANGUDI AND KAIMA HILLS (ORISSA)
Location
:
Situation
Under Protection
:
:
Period
:
Langudi and kaima hills in Dharamshala,
Distt. Jajpur
About 90 km from the Mahanadi delta
Langudi hills - Archeological Survey of India
Kaima hills - State Cultural Department, Orissa
3rd century B.C
INTRODUCTION
Langudi Hills
Langudi hill was a prominent Buddhist seat of learning that flourished until the 11th
century in India. This Buddhist archaeological site embellished with series of rockcut Buddhist stupas and several early medieval Buddhist monuments and shrines.
At Langudi hills the ruins of a brick stupa and a large monastery still exist. All in all,
the Buddhist remains on the hill indicate that Langudi was a significant centre of the
Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana sects of Buddhism.
Kaima Hills
The most fascinating remains of Kaima is a unique rock-cut elephant that rises
abruptly over the lower elevation on the eastern limit of the hill, facing the river
Kimiria. It has been carved out from live rock with excellent and highly naturalistic
craftsmanship. The tentative date of the image has
been assigned to the Mauryan era, around the 3rd
century B.C.
PRESENT SITUATION
1.
2.
3.
4.
Both sites have partial fencing which is
unable to prevent trespassers.
Pilfering of important antiquity is commonly
observed.
Antiquities recovered from Langudi hills are
still kept in open and huts without any
essential security.
Domestic animals and children are often
found playing around the site.
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BUDDHIST STUPA AT NALA SOPARA ,THANE AND KARAD CAVES
(MAHARASHTRA)
Location
:
Situation
:
:
Under Protection
Period
Nala Sopara , Distt. Thane
Karad, Distt. Satara
Burud Rajache Kot mound in Nirmal
Agaswa Hill near village Jakhinwadi
Archeological Survey of India
3rd century B.C, 2nd century B.C
:
INTRODUCTION
Nala Sopara
Ashokan inscriptions and a Buddhist stupa have also been recovered from Sopara.
During excavation ruins of a Buddhist stupa were found. From the centre of the
stupa a large stone coffer was excavated which contained eight bronze images of
Maitreya Buddha which belong to the 8th-9th century A.D. The coffer contained a relic
casket, numerous gold flowers and fragments of a begging bowl.
Karad Caves
The caves were first described by Sir Bartle Frere in 1849, and arranged into three
series: the southern group of twenty-three caves, near the village of Jakhinvadi;
nineteen caves, in the south-east face of the northern spur; and twenty-two
scattered caves facing the Koyna valley. Besides these sixty-three caves there are
many small excavations.
PRESENT SITUATION
Nala Sopara stupa
1. The remains of this stupa are lying in
neglected condition and are constantly
eroding day by day.
2. Proper preservation and restoration work
has not been done so far.
Karad caves
1. The monument caves are disgraced by illicit
slogans written by casual visitors.
2. No proper security system is available on
the site. Generally locals enjoy drinks and
parties in these sacred caves.
3. There is no check on trespassers.
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BUDDHIST SITE AT PHANIGIRI (ANDRA PRADESH)
Location
Situation
Under Protection
:
:
:
Period
:
Village Phanigiri , Distt. Nalagonda
Left bank of the Aleru
Dept. of Archaeology and Museums,
Andra Pradesh
1st Century B.C
INTRODUCTION
The excavations here brought into light a Mahastupa, chaityagrihas, votive stupas,
pillared congregation halls, viharas, and platforms with staircases at various levels,
sculptural panels with Brahmi inscriptions of the Satavahana and Ikshvaku times,
apart from the early historic culture milieu datable to the period between the 1st
Century B.C. to 3rd Century A.D. The structures are located at different levels,
several staircases are provided. It appears that the architects might have surveyed
and studied the contours on the hilltop and rightly exploited the contours to develop
several terraces by leveling the undulating surfaces.
Further, rock-cut tanks and cisterns on sloppy
summits of the hillock were built to collect and store
rain water to cater the needs of the monastic
complex.
PRESENT SITUATION
1. The security measures lack in protective cover
to the whole site.
2. Instances of theft of antiquities from the site
have been reported.
3. The antiquity recovered from the site is in
isolated state.
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BUDDHIST SITES IN INDIA
Till today, in India Buddhism is recognized by only eight major pilgrimage sites like
Lumbini , Bodh Gaya , Sarnath, Sravati , Saniska , Rajgriha , Vaishal and Kushinagar. But
there have been numerous other important ancient Buddhist sites in India which have
acted as an important centre in the past in spreading the teachings of Buddha in the world.
The aim of listing various Buddhist sites in different states of India is to bring the attention
of the world to highlight these other sacred sites which are in a grim and neglected state.
Nos. of
Buddhist Sites
Names of States
Andhra Pradesh
43
Arunachal Pradesh
2
Bihar
17
Chhattisgarh
5
Gujarat
20
Haryana
14
Himachal Pradesh
12
Jammu & Kashmir
18
Karnatka
8
Kerala
10
Madhya Pradesh
53
Maharashtra
28
Orissa
28
Punjab
1
Rajasthan
2
Sikkim
9
Tamil Nadu
11
Tripura
2
Uttrakhand
1
Uttar Pradesh
7
West Bengal
9
300
TOTAL
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SAVE STUPAS
SAVE
BUDDHA
A GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
THE BUDDHIST FORUM
VOICE OF DHAMMA
#1, Shivaji Park, Pyara Chowk
Yamuna Nagar - 135 001 (Haryana) INDIA
Mob. : 098965-10806 Fax : 01732 - 232319
Website : www.thebuddhistforum.com
"Buddha " as written in Brahmi Script during Asokan Period 2300 years ago.