The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has struck historic gold after unearthing a Buddhist monastery in Jharkhand, believed to be roughly 900 years old. The ancient religious site was found beneath a mound near the village of Juljul Pahar in the Sitagarhi Hills. This discovery follows an earlier find, where an ancient Buddhist shrine was uncovered under a nearby mound. The ASI’s latest discoveries include various sculptures and significant artifacts which hold great historical and cultural value.
Artifacts Unearthed
Throughout the dig, various significant relics have been found. Among them are four statues depicting deity Tara in a Varad Mudra pose, a hand gesture that signifies the dispensing of boons. Additionally, six statues of the Buddha were discovered, each in a Bhumisparsha Mudra pose. This pose involves the right hand’s five fingers pointing towards the earth, a symbol of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Also uncovered was a sculpture believed to depict the Shaivite deity Maheswari, complete with a coiled crown and chakra. This piece implies an element of cultural assimilation in the area.
Nagri Script on Tara Statue
Another fascinating aspect of the discoveries is the inscription on one of the deity Tara statues. The statue features the Nagri script, which predates the Devnagri script currently in use. This script was used to inscribe words indicating a Buddhist religious affiliation, further establishing the site as an ancient place of Buddhist worship and practice.
Significance of the Findings
These findings carry immense importance due to the site’s historic location. The monastery lies on the former route to Varanasi, just 10 kilometers from Sarnath – where the Buddha gave his first-ever sermon. This proximity suggests a potential correlation between the two sites and their religious functions. Additionally, the unearthed Tara statues could indicate the proliferation of the Vajrayana form of Buddhism in this region.
Vajrayana – The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt
The term Vajrayana translates to “The Vehicle of the Thunderbolt.” Known also as tantric Buddhism, this unique school of Buddhist thought originated in India around 900 CE. What sets the Vajrayana school apart is its grounding in esoteric elements and intricate rituals, much more complex compared to the practices observed in other Buddhist schools. If the relationship between the discovered artifacts and Vajrayana Buddhism is confirmed, it would provide profound insights into the historical dissemination of these practices.
The site’s discovery and the artifacts found hold immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. These finds provide a glimpse into the past, shedding light on unseen aspects of Buddhist practices, cultural assimilation, and the shift in religious affiliations during that era.
Last Modified: February 10, 2024