Karnataka - Gulbarga   

All roads lead to Buddha Vihar in Gulbarga

GULBARGA: All roads lead to the colossal Buddha Vihar which will be inaugurated by President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday. It is located on the outskirts of Gulbarga city next Gulbarga University.

The Buddha Vihar reflects the past history of Buddhism which flourished in Gulbarga district and its surrounding areas during the 3rd Century BC to 1st Century AD.

Gulbarga’s association with Buddhism is historically proven with the recovery of artefacts and sculptures dating back to 3rd Century AD at Buddhist sites at Sannati, Kanaganalli in Chitapur taluk, Hasaragundigi in Shahapur, Anabi in Jewargi taluk and other historic Buddhist sites in the district.

Leader of the Opposition M. Mallikarjun Kharge, who was responsible for the construction of this beautiful monument, says the project is a dream come true for him.

Nearly 1,500 tonnes of cement, 250 tonnes of steel, 5 lakh bricks and 200 cubic metres of sand have been converted by artisans and craftsmen into this beautiful structure that is built on 75 acres of land on Gulbarga-Sedam inter-State highway.

The main structure stands on 32,450 sq ft of land on 170 pillars with 284 blocks. Each one of these reflect the Ajanta and Ellora sculptures and art.

The ground and first floors of the vihar have the sanctum sanctorum where two exquisitely carved idols of Lord Buddha are installed.

A six-foot idol of Lord Buddha carved from glossy, black stone sculptured by sculptor Ashoka Gudikara of Bidadi in Ramanagaram district is installed in the ground floor.

A gold-plated smiling idol of Lord Buddha along with his favourite disciples, Anand and Kashyap, has been brought here from Bangkok.

The intricately carved doors in rosewood and teakwood are designed by artisan Kaiser Ali, connected with the royal family of Mysore.

The complex consists of a museum, where another idol of Lord Buddha is installed, an auditorium, guesthouses, and a dining hall.

Another feature is the group of statues at the entrance depicting B.R. Ambedkar leading his close followers to embrace Buddhism on October 14, 1956 at Nagpur.

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