The Kargah Buddha located in Gilgit
Present day Gilgit-Baltistan has been at the cross-roads of cultures, religions and civilizations for centuries. Long before Islam was introduced in the region, the people used to practice Budhism or multiple forms of local pagan religions, including Shamanism.
One important symbol of the ancient Budhist era is the Buddha statue carved on a mountain very close to Gilgit city, in the Kargah Valley. The sculpture of Budha is believed to have been sculpted in the 3rd or 4th century A.D. Many similar symbols are scattered in different valleys, including Skardu and Diamer.
The sculpture is known as Yaṣ̌eni, in the local Shina language.
The Kargah Buddha, as it is famously known, needs attention of the authorities for preservation and safeguarding. The sculpture has remained intact so far, and should continue to remain for the future generations, as an important symbol of our shared human heritage.
Watch Abdul Rehman Bukhari and cameraman Munawar Hussain Nagri’s special report (Urdu).
The Kargah BuddhaPresent day Gilgit-Baltistan has been at the cross-roads of cultures, religions and civilizations for centuries. Long before Islam was introduced in the region, the people used to practice Budhism or multiple forms of local pagan religions, including Shamanism. One symbol of the ancient Budhist era is the Budha statue located very close to Gilgit city, in the Kargah Valley. The sculpture of Budha is believed to have been constructed in the 3rd or 4th century A.D. Many similar symbols are scattered in different valleys, including Skardu and Diamer. The Kargah Buddha, as it is famously known, needs attention of the authorities for preservation and safeguarding. The statue has remained intact so far, and continue to remain for the future generations. Watch Abdul Rehman Bukhari and cameraman Munawar Hussain Nagri’s special report (Urdu).
Posted by PAMIR TIMES on Thursday, 26 November 2015
