Today we journey to the ancient city of Ahichchatra (modern-day Ramnagar), located in Barailly District, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 200 kilometers from Mathurā. This city, too, is one of the ancient urban centers of India with significant Buddhist heritage.
In 1174 BE (631 CE), the famous Chinese monk Xuanzang (Hsüan-tsang) visited this city and recorded that there were 30 monasteries with over 3,000 monks, most of whom belonged to the Sammatīya school (a Buddhist sect of the Sthaviravāda lineage).
The site underwent excavation in 1862 CE (2405 BE) under the direction of Alexander Cunningham, who uncovered stupas, monasteries, and many Buddha images at the Chatra Mound within Ahichchatra.
The Discovery:
Among the unearthed artifacts was a particularly elegant seated Buddha image in the gesture of granting blessings (abhaya-mudrā). Flanking the Buddha are two standing Bodhisattvas:
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Vajrapāṇi on the left
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Padmapāṇi on the right
At the base of the image is a sculptural depiction of devotees worshipping the Bodhi Tree, all beautifully carved from red sandstone in the Mathurā style. Scholars believe the statue was carved in Mathurā and then transported to be enshrined in a monastery within Ahichchatra.
The Inscription:
Beneath the base of the Buddha image is an inscription in refined Sanskrit, written in Brāhmī script, consisting of three lines:
Saṁ 30 2 Hemanta 4 Māsa 8 Di Mahārājasya Kaniṣkasya deyadharmo yaṁ Śākya-bhikṣor Bhadanta Vīranasya ca mātāpitṛ…ācāryopadhyāya sarvasattvān…
Translation:
In the 32nd year, 4th month of the winter season, on the 8th day, during the reign of King Kaniṣka the Great, this religious gift (deyadharma) was made by the Śākya monk, the Venerable Vīrana, along with his mother and father, for the benefit and happiness of his teachers, preceptors, and all sentient beings.
Summary:
This Buddha image was created during the reign of King Kaniṣka the Great, one of the most powerful and influential rulers of the Kushan Dynasty, who is known for his patronage of Buddhism.
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The donor of the statue was Venerable Teacher Vīrana, a monk of the Śākya tradition.
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He dedicated the image together with his parents, as a meritorious offering for the benefit of his teachers (ācārya and upādhyāya) and all beings.
Current Location:
Today, this sacred image is housed and displayed at the Delhi Museum (National Museum, Delhi).
Visitors and devotees may pay homage to this extraordinary artifact that reflects the devotion, craftsmanship, and legacy of early Indian Buddhism.
A timeless offering by a devoted monk, now a lasting treasure of Buddhist heritage.