Vaishali: The Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Smriti Stupa, built in Vaishali, Bihar, is set to be inaugurated in the last week of July. The ceremony will see participation from Buddhist monks representing 15 countries, including China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, Malaysia, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Developed on 72 acres near the sacred Pushkarni pond and Mud Stupa, the stupa complex has been constructed at a cost of Rs 550.48 crore. Its main attraction will be the bone urn of Lord Buddha, discovered during excavations from 1958 to 1962, which will be placed on the first floor of the museum.
Completely built using stone, the Smriti Stupa comprises 42,373 sandstones sourced from Vanshi Paharpur in Rajasthan, assembled through tongue and groove technology. It incorporates modern earthquake-resistant techniques to ensure safety for thousands of years. The complex also features a lily pond, attractive sculptures, and landscaped gardens enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Additional facilities include a meditation centre, library, visitor centre, museum block, amphitheatre, cafeteria, solar power plant (500 kW), parking and other amenities. The statue of Lord Buddha, crafted by artists from Odisha, is expected to become a significant landmark at the site.
The Smriti Stupa is set to become a centre of devotion for Buddhists worldwide while placing Vaishali firmly on the global Buddhist tourism map. Officials believe the monument will boost local employment opportunities and contribute to the cultural and tourism development of Bihar.
