Two more Buddhist caves discovered in Jajpur

[Big Uncle]

Two more Buddhist caves discovered in Jajpur
http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=4,11229,0,0,1,0

Jaipur, India -- Two Buddhist caves were recently discovered by villagers of Sukhuapada in Jajpur district. Eminent historian Harish Chandra Prusti said, “The caves found at Sukhuapada have similarities with the caves discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) three decades back in the hillocks at Neulipur, Kaima, Deuli, Gokarneswar, Brajagiri, Biddhalinga, Lalitagiri and Udayagiri.”

According to Prusti, “Buddhist monks used to stay in these caves in the rainy season. A 50-feet-long tunnel in the hillock is a rare discovery in the State as in the past archaeologists had never stumbled across any tunnel at any Buddhist places.

However, large-scale of illegal quarrying by violating court order at several Buddhist sites at the Lalitagiri, Udayagiri, Sukhuapada and Landa hillocks in the district have been posing serious a danger to the ancient Buddhist places. The authorities are not taking steps to stop the rampant illegal quarrying, alleged vice-president of Buddhayan, a Buddhist cultural centre of Lalitagiri, Pradeep Bhuyan.

Contractors in clear nexus with Government officials have been lifting stones and morum from the hillocks. The 80-km-long road widening works on NH-5(A) from Chandikhol to Paradip have been going on since last five years for which the contractors are supplying morum to the Hindustan Construction Company.

The High court had banned lifting of stones by contractors from the hillocks to protect the Buddhist sculptures three years back after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Buddhayan. But the contractors nonchalantly continue to extract stones from the bottom of the hills under the very nose of the authorities. Each day, about 50 to 70 trucks carry stones and morum from the hills, alleged Bhuyan.

[Tenzin K]

It’s very important to protect and preserve the Buddhist sculptures and its historic evident. Those caves are a very good learning and pilgrimages places for people to make prayers and get blesses.

Not simply because the Buddha suggested so, but because they truly experience the myriad blessings of making such a trip, which further inspires their faith in the Buddha and his teachings, urging them to walk the path of practising, realising and sharing the Dharma like he did. Because the Buddha mentioned that even dying faithfully on a pilgrimage leads to a good rebirth, such a pilgrimage is literally ‘worth dying for’, even though this is not compulsory! That said, it should not be mistaken that such trips are very hazardous nowadays, though it was especially the case in ancient days, when pilgrims venture from afar without the convenience of planes, trains and automobiles!

A physical place is experienced as sacred
only when it is spiritually charged up,
and/or when its visitors are likewise so.
- Stonepeace

[diablo1974]

Very good news. I hope more and more artefacts and archealogical works are discovered and carried out. For the past thousands years, buddhism has affected the lives of many and society. This places were once a place for veneration and reverence towards the Triple Gems. i believe the positive energy around the area are still present if even after it had been deserted for so long.


China is one country that are influenced by buddhism in terms of culture, arts and society. They have uncovered countless artefact and treasures through the years after the cultural revolution. I believe there are still many more underground waiting to be discovered.

[Big Uncle]

It's amazing how widespread Buddhism was in ancient India. I posted this news because Jaipur is not a place traditionally associated with the spread of ancient Indian Buddhism. However, as the tradition grew, many have probably spread out to look for secluded spots in order to practice meditation.

I think such news serve as a poignant reminder to do our part to preserve Buddhadharma. Besides contributing and getting involve with Buddhist organization, we must do our part to practice what we learn and study. Buddhism is only as alive as our realizations and that is translated into practice. How far the Dharma spreads would depend on how much we have translated the teachings into practice.

Hence, even if Buddhism is widely practiced and had spread far and wide on a particularly piece of land but if people have not taken the teachings to heart, then everything will disintegrate and Buddhism would just be a memory with a lot of old temples, ruins and caves.

[dondrup]

It is great news to hear about the discovery of two Buddhist caves at Jajpur district.  These two Buddhist caves have a rare 50-feet tunnel that will bring in the tourists to visit and help rejuvenate the economy of the district!  Of course, the benefits are more than just that.   However, it is of great disappointment that the local authorities are not serious enough to want to protect these ancient Buddhist sites!  The enforcement is not stringent enough to prevent large-scaled illegal quarrying at the caves.  Regardless of whether these are Buddhist or non-Buddhist archeological sites, the authorities should make the effort to protect these treasures for the benefit of the future generations. 

[Jessie Fong]

For more pictures and information on Indian cave temples, read http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/archaelogy/news-indias-incredible-cave-temples

10 Most Incredible Indian Cave Temples


Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
The 30 caves of Ellora were carved out of a vertical face of the Charanandri hills in the 5th century AD. The cave temples are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism – demonstrating the religious harmony of the time. The Buddhist caves were primarily designated as monasteries, the Hindu caves boast paintings of the various gods, and the Jain caves feature intricately painted ceilings.
Read more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/archaelogy/news-indias-incredible-cave-temples#yixBRdYtokldDoul.99


Centuries ago people were living in religious harmony. Testament is in the Ellora Caves of Maharashtra.

[Midakpa]

I have been to the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves many years ago. Ajanta is Buddhist; Ellora is Hindu. They are quite close to each other which shows that in those days, people were living and practising their own religion harmoniously. The caves are still quite well preserved. Ajanta, being in a deep valley is protected from the elements. During its hey day in India, Buddhism flourished and many temples were built. Cave temples represent an art form that should be preserved for posterity. Efforts should be made to repair and restore damaged structures.

[bambi]

Nice! More Buddhist related places are being uncovered. Just imagine how many people in those days practice meditation. 50 feet tunnel can fit a lot of meditators! Really rare and incredible! Imagine how many more caves out there still waiting to be discovered! Holy and sacred places like those should be well maintained and taken care of even if it is opened to the public. It should be preserved for many generations to come!