Jammu & Kashmir Parihaspora Pattan Monastery
Parihaspora Pattan Monastery has been an age old Buddhist monastery and more than that, it reflects the Buddhist traditions which were prevalent in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The town of Parhaspora is situated at about 26 kms from Srinagar, which is visited by lots of tourists when coming to Baramulla region. The region was once having a strong Buddhist stronghold, probably in the 8th century, when there was the rule of Lalityaditya Muktapid, who was the king of Kashmir. From the excavations done in recent years, it is clear that there are lots of important statues and idols found in the towns of Parihaspora Pattan and Pattan Bazar, where Buddhist Monastery, stupa, temples belonging to deity Vishnu and some other shrines were excavated, starting from the year 1914.
History
The Parihaspora Pattan Monastery was supposed to be built by the King of Kashmir, Lalityaditya Muktapid, during whose rule also, there was some spread of Buddhism in area of Kashmir. It is also said that this was the time when Kanishka had spread Buddhism in other parts of India. in the early part of 20th century, there was the discovery of the Parihaspora Pattan Monastery in the Gawadran region of Parihaspora. Earlier names of this monastery and other shrines in the region were Raja Vihara of Lalitadity.
Architecture
From the excavations, it was clear that the Parihaspora Pattan Monastery is having a rectangular structure with an assembly hall inside. Other buildings in the region were also rectangular in shape, while a stupa was found in the region, clearly depicting the importance of Buddhism in the architectural styles of the constructions in the region of Parihaspora.
Reaching There
From the town of Srinagar, Parihaspora is about 26 kms and therefore easily visited by tourists on private cars and buses. Srinagar is connected to northern states with good road and also has an airport, having flights from major airports in the country. Due to the easy access, lots of tourists are coming to visit the Parihaspora Pattan monastery in this region and the excavations have become quite popular.
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