In Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district, a proposed statue of Gautam Buddha at Dev Ni Mori is set to claim the title of the world’s second highest such monument. The proposed structure, which will stand at a remarkable height of 108 meters, only falls behind China’s colossal Spring Temple Buddha, which measures 153 meters high.
Significance of Dev Ni Mori
The archaeological importance of Dev Ni Mori came to light in 1953 when the state archaeology department carried out excavations in the area. The excavations revealed the ruins of a Buddhist monastery believed to have been functional between the 3rd and 4th century AD. However, the most fascinating discovery came in the form of a 1,700-year-old casket containing relics believed to belong to Buddha himself. An inscription on the casket confirmed this, indicating that the container held bodily remains of Buddha.
Evidence of Early Buddhist Presence in Vadnagar
The findings at Dev Ni Mori, including the presence of a stupa and monastery, have shed light on the strong presence of Buddhists in Vadnagar during the early centuries of the Christian era. More recent excavations have unearthed a Buddhist Monastery from the 2nd-7th century AD, situated within the fortified region of Vadnagar, Gujarat.
| Archaeological Find | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Buddhist Monastery | 2nd-7th Century AD | A fortified monastery with two votive stupas and an open central courtyard. Initially, nine cells were constructed around the yard which created a swastika-like pattern. |
| 1,700 year old casket | 3rd-4th Century AD | The casket that was discovered is said to contain bodily relics of Buddha. |
Noteworthy: The Statue of Unity
While the proposed Buddha statue at Dev Ni Mori is set to be one of the tallest in the world, the current record-holder for the world’s tallest statue belongs to Gujarat as well. Standing at a stunning height of 182 meters (597 ft), the Statue of Unity is situated in the Narmada Valley Kevadiya, within the Narmada district of Gujarat.
