Dehradun, December 16 – A 107-feet high Lord Buddha statue built by Tibetan refugees is attracting hundreds of devotees and tourists here.
The religious complex has been financed mainly by a Thailand-based monastery, which promotes Buddhism across the world.
The beautiful monument stands out as a display of public will as locals, mainly Hindus, have joined hands with the refugees to maintain the massive complex.
Organisers say the domes inside the complex symbolised the Buddhist principles of peace, love and brotherhood.
“This place is specially built for the peace of the world, because, this stupa (dome) is based on Buddhist idea. Buddha has so much great compassion, so much understanding to make peace in the world, not only human beings but the entire living beings. This why we built this stupa,” Mahandhin, the organiser of the religious complex, said.
The Tibetan community along with their religious leader the Dalai Lama, revered as the reincarnation of a long line of Buddhist kings, belongs to the Gelug school of Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama has been living in Dharamshala since 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.
Visitors at the religious complex said they were fascinated by the huge effort that went into the construction of the statue.
“The main thing is that they built the temple by hand, they did the painting by hand. They finished it in three years. It is wonderful. Everyone should come and visit this place. It is marvellous,” said Mandakini, a tourist.
