Bhamala Stupa Haripur is a Buddhist site and a National Heritage Site near Haripur, Pakistan dating to the second century CE. It is located on the banks of the Haro River, the tributary of Khanpur Dam, and is a tourist destination.
The Bhamala stupa Harpur is part of the larger Bhamala Buddhist Complex. The site is known for its 1,700-year-old statue of the enlightened Buddha – considered one of the oldest statues in the world.
Excavation of Bhamala Stupa Haripur
Sir Sufian Malik and Sir John Marshall began excavating the site in 1929, and the work continued into the early 1930’s. Mining resumed in 2017. Selected from UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Appointment leads to the restoration of ruins (especially Stupa).
The site, as of June 2015, is under the auspices of the Department of Archeology and Museums, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Government of Pakistan. This area is believed to be one of the most well-preserved sites in the Taxila Valley.
Architecture of Bhamala Stupa
The stupa has an important cruciform system, with stairs leading to four main areas, which is one of the last stages of the Gandhara stupa, the preceding steps are:
1) Dharmarajika Stupa with a near-Indian design of the semi-hemispheric stupa almost directly on the ground,
2) Classic Loriyan Tangai Stupa, with a long structure and many narratives,
3) Jaulian stupa near pyramidal.
The cruciform design progressed to the higher design of the second Kanishka stupa.
The Bhamala stupa dates back to the 2-5th century CE.
According to current understanding, the formation of the main stupa is cruciform and is the largest surviving example of this shape in the Taxila and Gandhara districts. The stupa is cross-shaped and looks like an Aztec Pyramid. There are about nineteen but small votive areas in the yard around the main stupa.
The 2nd century stupa is one of the oldest Buddha statues in the world
Bhamala Stupa Haripur Location
Just over 90 minutes from Haripur city center, the monastery is off the main tourist trail. Bhamala stupa is located near the lake and man-made pool of Khanpur.
Know Before You Go to Bhamala Stupa Haripur
This place is not well provided for public transportation. It is 45 minutes from the main bus stop in Taxila. If you use your own car, use a short wheelbase for a car with a high ground clearance.
Local security guards are helpful and will help you with information, although the large printed board contains much of the information you will need.
While on the way, make sure you stop to see the remains of the Afghan king, parts of Sher Shah Suri in the mid-16th century on the Grand Trunk Road. There is also a 40-foot-tall obelisk made by friends and acquaintances who like Brigadier-General John Nicholson to view it.
The best time to visit Bhamala Stupa Haripur is between October and April. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
The stupa and the monastery there began in the 2nd century CE. They are very important to the Gandhara culture, the largest surviving example of a cross-shaped stupa similar to the Aztec pyramids and more recently, the site of the world’s oldest statue of ‘Maha Pari Nirvana’ depicting the death of the Buddha. .
Bhamala Stupa Haripur History
The statue, discovered in 2016, is 1,700 years old and 48 meters tall. It is found next to a Buddha statue with a double halo, the first of its kind to be found in the history of Buddhist civilization in Pakistan.
Remarkable for its unique architectural style, the Bhamala complex is dated to the second to the 5th century CE
According to archaeologists, the stupa was attached to spiritual sites that often contained Buddhist relics.
“The Bhamala stupa Haripur is distinct, with a cross system covering the long square base of the dome above where speculation of steps can be seen on all four sides. Corinthian pilgrims divide the base into pools, ”explains Abdul Nasir Khan, curator of the Taxila Museum, 15 miles [25 km] away.
Mr Khan said the stupa resembled Aztec towers, and this type of construction was found in Kashmir. In addition to the main stupa, there are about 19 small polling stations in the surrounding courtyard, built with the skill of making diapers.
Buddhism flourished in what is now Pakistan about 2,300 years ago, after it came under the control of the Mauryan Ashoka ruler of Takashila (now Taxila)
He said the discovery of a 3rd-century Ding Buddha statue in Bhamala a few years ago indicates that many of the monasteries unearthed by India’s Archaeological Survey do not reflect the full picture of Buddhist art and evolution.
The findings were unveiled by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Archeology and Museums, which confirmed the many hidden links to the evolution of Buddhist art in Taxila, Gandhara and Swat.
The director general of the department, Dr Abdul Samad, led the delegation. He said the Bhamala complex has unveiled a rich history and wealth, and recent discoveries have opened a new chapter in the history of ancient Taxila Valley civilization.
Bhamala Stupa Haripur in KP District of Pakistan.
bhamala stupa haripur
