Monks from 15 nations to join Vaishali stupa launch
Nitish Kumar
on Tuesday.
Buddhist monks from 15 countries, including China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos, Bangladesh and Indonesia, are expected to gather in Vaishali for the occasion.
"The historic monument will become a centre of devotion and attraction for Buddhist followers worldwide," a state govt official said on Monday.
Announcing the inauguration, Nitish posted on his official X handle, "It is a pleasure to inform that Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa, Vaishali is going to be inaugurated on July 29. Buddhist monks and followers from 15 countries across the world are coming to Bihar for the inaugural ceremony.
It is a matter of pride for all the people of Bihar."
He added, "This stupa is a grand symbol of Bihar's cultural heritage and global Buddhist legacy. The Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa will not only establish Vaishali prominently on the global Buddhist map but will also provide a new direction to tourism, culture and employment."
Built near the Pushkarni pond and the ancient mud stupa, the monument covers an area of 72 acres and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 550 crore.
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The central attraction is a relic casket of Lord Buddha, which is enshrined on the first floor of the memorial. The relic was unearthed during excavations conducted between 1958 and 1962.
This is arguably the first time in India's history that a stupa has been constructed entirely of stone, without using cement, bricks, or concrete. Located in Vaishali district, the stupa stands at a height of 33.10 metres with an internal diameter of 37.80 metres and an outer diameter of 49.80 metres, making it nearly twice the height of the world-famous Sanchi Stupa.
The structure comprises 42,373 sandstone blocks sourced from Banshi Paharpur in Rajasthan, meticulously fitted using the tongue-and-groove technique without any cement or adhesive. Built with modern earthquake-resistant technology, the stupa is designed to endure for thousands of years.
Surrounding the stupa are lily ponds, landscaped gardens and intricate sculptures. A grand entrance archway modelled on the Sanchi gateway showcases the zenith of Buddhist architecture.
Thirty-two skylights have been incorporated to allow a constant flow of light and air within the structure.
The complex also features a meditation centre, visitor centre, museum block, library, amphitheatre, cafeteria, a 500-kilowatt solar power plant, ample parking and other visitor facilities. A statue of Lord Buddha, crafted by artisans from Odisha, is expected to become a special identity of the site, the official added.
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