Dharmarajika Stupa

Dharmarajika Stupa at Taxila was excavated by Sir John Marshall in between 1913-14 CE. The complex consists of the Dharmarajika Stupa with its surrounding shrines. This Stupa is the most important Buddhist edifice in Taxila and is likely one of the earliest. The nucleus of the Stupa goes back to the days of Ashoka. The name Dharmarajika itself suggests that Ashoka was associated with the construction of the original Stupa. It underwent several restorations and reconstructions until the last days of Buddhism in Taxila. Despite the damages it is still an impressive structure, with a height of 14 meters and a diameter of 35 meter. There is a raised terrace around the base that was used as a pradakshina patha, four flights of steps head up to the terrace, one at each cardinal point. The core of the of the Stupa is filled with rubble and there are sixteen interior supporting walls which radiate from the centre (wheel shaped). Unfortunately no relic was found inside the Stupa.

Long before systematic excavation was undertaken, the dome of the Stupa was found open from the top and whatever precious objects and relics that had been enshrined were removed by the treasure hunters. To the north-east of the Stupa is a oblong shaped building thought to be a Bodhisattava’s shrine, near the back wall of the shrine, about 30 cm below the original floor, Marshall found a vase shaped casket of grey micaceous schist that contained a silver vase inside. The silver vase held a silver scroll and a small gold casket containing bone fragments. The inscription of the scroll, in Kharoshti script and dated back to the year 136 of Azes (78 CE) states that these relics were those of the Buddha and were enshrined by a devotee called Urusaka, a Bactrian.

These bone relics of Buddha concealed for almost two millennia in a forgotten shrine are regarded as one of the most significant finds at Taxila. (Marshall 1951: 256-57)

The translation is as follows:

In the year 136 of Azes, on the fifteenth day of the month of ashada, on this day relic as of the bless one were enshrined by Urasaka, scion of Imtavhria, a Bactrian, resident of the town of Noacha.

These relics of the blessed one were enshrined Bodhisattava shrine at the Dharmarajika Stupas at Taxila, for the bestowal of health upon the great kings, king of kings, the son of god (devaputrasa), the Kushan, in honour of all Buddha, pratyeka Buddhas, Arhatas, all sentient beings, parents, friends, advisors, kinsmen and blood relations for the bestowal of health upon himself.

May thy right munificent gift lead to nirvana.