DHARMARAJIKA STUPA : AN ENDURING HERITAGE THAT GLOWS THROUGH TIME
By Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri
TAXILA (Pakistan), XXX March (Bernama) -- The Dharmarajika Stupa, an ancient Buddhist heritage site built by Emperor Ashoka in the third century BCE, continues to attract visitors with its spiritual significance and artistic splendour despite the ravages of time and nature.
Local tour guide Abdul Rehman Nawaz Khan said the site, which once housed the relics of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, continues to be a revered destination for Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Nepal, and beyond.
"The Dharmarajika Stupa is not merely an archaeological monument; it is a living testament to Buddhist history, faith, and wisdom.
"Every year, more visitors come here not only for historical exploration but also for spiritual reflection and meditation," he told Bernama during the recent ASEAN-Pakistan Media/Journalist Exchange Programme.
Abdul Rehman said recent efforts to promote the site as a centre for cultural and spiritual tourism have rekindled interest in its preservation.
"There is growing awareness among local authorities and international heritage organisations of the need to preserve this invaluable treasure.
"Various conservation initiatives are being explored to maintain the stupa’s authenticity while ensuring its resilience against environmental factors," he said.
He noted that the site's rich Greco-Buddhist artistic influence, evident in its intricate carvings of elephants and monkeys, has attracted art historians and archaeologists eager to study the fusion of cultures that shaped the region.
One of the most notable features of the Dharmarajika Stupa is its Healing Buddha statue, which is linked to Ayurvedic philosophy and holistic healing practices dating back more than 3,000 years.
"This site was once home to a thriving Buddhist monastery and a purification pool used for spiritual training. It stands as a reminder of the profound knowledge and teachings that flourished here," he said.
For many visitors, the journey to Dharmarajika Stupa is more than a historical excursion, it is a pilgrimage that connects them to ancient wisdom, peace, and the urgency of global heritage conservation.
Abdul Rehman also said the site faces mounting challenges, including climate change, vandalism, and inadequate conservation efforts.
He emphasised that the Dharmarajika Stupa is not just a relic of the past but a crucial reminder of the need to safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
"For those who visit, this place is more than a historical site, it is a spiritual journey, a glimpse into ancient civilisations, and a call to action for conservation.
The ASEAN-Pakistan Media Exchange Programme, held from Feb 17 to 22, was organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from the ASEAN Secretariat.
The initiative brought together 23 journalists from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to foster media collaboration and strengthen regional ties.
-- BERNAMA
