India’s Largest Reclining Statue of Lord Buddha
The largest reclining statue of Lord Buddha in India is being built in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. India’s Buddhist pilgrimage circuit is being proactively revived and Bodh Gaya is an integral part of it. Hence, the site of Gautam Buddha’s enlightenment will soon be home to his largest reclining statue.
Overview:
- This statue is being built by Buddha International Welfare Mission.
- The statue will be 30 feet high and 100 feet long.
- In the statue, Lord Buddha is in the sleeping posture.
- The giant statue’s construction began in the year 2019.
- This statue is being made with fiberglass and is being built by sculptors who are from Kolkata.
- From February 2023, the giant statue of Lord Buddha will be opened for the devotees.
- Bodh Gaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, hence, the statue is being built here.
Importance of this posture
Lord Buddha’s idol is in the Mahaparinirvana Mudra is very important in Buddhism as he preached to his followers in this pose before attaining Mahaparinirvana. Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh also has an idol of Lord Buddha in this posture as this where he attained Mahaparinirvana.
About Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is a pilgrimage destination and religious site in Bihar’s Gaya district and is associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. It is well-known as the location where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Bodh Gaya has been a place of devotion and veneration for both Hindus and Buddhists since antiquity. Archaeological findings, including sculptures, show that Buddhists have been using the site since the Mauryan period. The four most important pilgrimage sites related to Gautam Buddha’s life are Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath with Bodh Gaya being the most important. Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2022
Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs • Places in News Current Affairs