Rajesh Moudgil । TNR
Chandigarh
Over 2,000 year old Buddhist Stupa which belongs to Kushan period and which is located in the close vicinity of the Kurukshetra University (KU) and the nearby well-known Brahma Sarovar in the holy city of Kurukshetra (Haryana), is in for a makeover.
The officials of the state archaeology department say that there are two Buddhist Stupas under the protection of the state government, the other Stupa being in village Chaneti, district Yamunanagar in the state.
According to the official information, plans are afoot to give Kurukshetra’s Stupa a befitting facelift by landscaping and carrying out required repairs. The same would cost the state exchequer about Rs 6 crore.
STUPA NEAR KU CAMPUS
Believed to have been built between the 1st century (A.D) – and 8th century (A.D), the said Bauddh Stupa is situated in the north-east campus of the Kurukshetra University while the historic holy pond Brahma Sarovar is on its eastern side.
This state-protected monument which is spread over an area of about four acres has five burnt brick structures. While three of the four walls at the monument belong to Kushana period, one relates to the Gupta period and the fifth wall belongs to the Vardhana period.
The entire area having the Stupa as well as Brahma Sarovar, all in close vicinity of each other, thus has its own rich religious, historical, educational and cultural significance.
THE MAKEOVER
The officials of the state archaeology department says that subsequent to the execution of the plan to give the Stupa a makeover, the Stupa would be rejuvenated on the lines of world Buddhist architecture by preserving the monument’s sanctity in a befitting manner. The plans also include tree plantation along the periphery of the monument in a befitting manner.
The plan to give the monument a makeover also comprises aesthetically using the five symbolic elements – fire, air, earth, water, and wisdom – called “nirvana’’ – to enhance the social, cultural, religious and historical value of the site, the officials add.
