Takht-e-Bahi(Throne of Origin /High Spring)
This story is about one of the most important and well preserved Buddhist Monasteries of the Gandhara period. The Monastery is located in the Mardan city of the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. This place was once the heart of the Gandhara civilization.
As per local people the name Takht-e-bahi is because of the two wells on the hill or because of the nearby springs
The history of this place dates back to 1st Century AD. This was proved through various inscriptions which had the name of Gondophares who was a Parthian King of the Suren family. After Gondophares the monastery remained in the control of Kujula Kadphises who was the first Kushan King.
According to researchers the place remained in use until 7th century AD. The location of this Monastery helped alot in retaining its ancient structure as compared to other Buddhist Monasteries of that period because it is located almost 500 feet atop of a small hill. Therefore, it remains safe from many destructive invaders who came to this region.
Precisely the Takht-e-bahi complex consisted of a Stupa court, Monastic chambers, a Temple complex and Tantric monastic complex. which were used for various religious purposes.
It is also one of those places which even many Pakistanis are not aware of. I strongly recommend to visit this place as it is one of the ancient places in Pakistan.
Picture Credit goes to Anonymous Photographer.
Please share your memories & videos about this awesome place and inform me about your suggestions at wonderlustpak@gmail.com
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