Deur Kothar Buddhist Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Deur Kothar Buddhist Stupa, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh 486117

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

Deorkothar (Devanāgarī: also Deur Kothar) is dedicated to Buddha Stupa temple, location of archaeological importance in Madhya Pradesh, Central India. It is known for its Buddhist stupas and was discovered in 1982.These stupas are credited to the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. This temple has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1958 and under the control of Archeological Survey of India.

Puranic Significance

The ancient Buddhist stupas is discovered in the year 1982, these stupas are said to be about two thousand years old and belonging to the Ashoka’s reign. There are three large stupas carved out of clay bricks and several small stupas out of 46 different stones. Deur Kothar also has five thousand years old rocky caves which are definitely very intriguing in their appearance. As an attempt to spread Buddhism in the Vindhyan region during the period of Ashoka, the remains of Lord Buddha were distributed to create these stupas. Deur Kothar is an archaeological site. The site of Deur Kothar was once an active centre of trade. With discovery of pieces of terracotta toys, beads, ear stud and coins which shows that the genesis of this pilgrimage site occurred amidst a vibrant mercantile community. The six line Brahmi inscription on the Deorkothar pillar is considered to be the earliest evidence of the historic Buddha. It is given in the table – transliterated into Devanagari script. The inscription mentions Buddha on the first line. The gist of the inscription, pertains to the erection and dedication of stone pillar by an unnamed Upasaka and his disciples in memory of the Buddha, the enlightened one.