Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu - A Must Visit Heritage
A large granite rock with carvings of the Buddha dating back to the 8th century is located 3 Kilometers from Sadpara Road, in Manthal Village of Skardu, and is known as the Manthal Buddha rock. It is a cultural site in Gilgit Baltistan.
The rock features a huge carving of Buddha in the center with 2 standing Metreyias (future Buddhas) and twenty small Bodhisattvas (disciples) surrounding them becoming a tourist attraction.
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History
Before the arrival of Buddhism in the 4th century, Baltistan was the land of Shamanism. The monks from northern India came to build monasteries during the Palolashahi kingdom, and ruled the area. Buddhism continued to flourish after the Tibetan conquest of the region in the second quarter of the 8th century. The era between the 8th and 10th centuries is called the “Golden Era of Buddhism” in the Upper Indus Valley.
Buddhism was the major religion of the time and Buddha was engraved on several rock pieces found in Gilgit-Baltistan. Historically, the migration of the Buddhist people of Gandhara through the mountain kingdom of Gilgit-Baltistan allowed them to settle in different areas. During their stay, they engraved different images including drawings of Stupas, images of Buddha, expressions of their experiences, and imprinted texts in Kharosthi language on some rocks.
Several Buddha carvings including Manthal Buddha rock in Skardu, carvings of stupas and Buddhist reliefs in Shigar and Khaplu in Baltistan; Karga Buddha and the Hanzal Stupa in Gilgit, rock carvings in the premises of KIU (Karakoram International University) in Gilgit; Rock carvings on the main KKH (Karakoram Highway) near Hunza (Haldikish); and hundreds of petroglyphs scattered along the KKH are the imprints left by the Buddhist caravans during the time of Buddhist height in the region.
At that time the region was the epicenter of Buddhism and Islam was still not known to the people of the area. However almost centuries have passed since Buddhists disappeared from the region, but Buddhism is still alive in the structure of rock carvings and petroglyphs. Yet, sadly, the rich heritage is ignored and almost forgotten.
The arrival of Ali Hamadani and his followers from Iran in the 14th century changed the region's dynamics forever. Buddhism gradually vanished, and the places of worship fell into despair. Locals embraced Islam and by the 15th century, the area became a full Muslim state.
Geography
This Buddhist site is surrounded by the Skardu town which is rich in vegetation and beautiful scenery. The Buddha Rock is in a prime location for a quick stop on your way to a northern tour of Pakistan.
Tourist spots near Manthal Buddha Rocks
- Satpara lake
- Skardu fort
- Kargah Budha
1) Satpara lake
Satpara Lake originates from the Satpara Stream and feeds into the Skardu Valley. It’s a refreshing sight at an elevation of over 8000 ft (2.44 km). The serenity of the location has made Satpara Lake quite an attraction.
2) Skardu fort
Skardu Fort or Kharpocho Fort is 5km from Manthal Buddha Rock, approximately 16 minutes if you continue on sadpara road. The ‘king of forts’ is said to be at a location where it overlooks the Rock of Skardu. It has great historical significance and is an important tourist attraction in Skardu.
3) Kargah Buddha
Kargah Buddha is another Buddhist archaeological site located 50 feet high amidst the Kargah Nala.
How to get there?
For those interested in Buddhist culture and history, this site is important because it presents an insight into the Buddhist traditions of the region. The rock also presents a spectacular view of the region as it is at a height.
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