Mohra Moradu Monastery - Taxila

Abdullah Khan

Mohra Moradu is an important archaeological site in the Taxila region of Pakistan. It is situated on a hill in a secluded area, making it an ideal place for prayer and meditation.

It was heavily damaged by treasure-hunters who split apart the main stupa hoping to find gold inside. The lower portions of the stupa were protected, however, as earth covered most of the site before excavation began under the auspices of John Marshall earlier in the 20th century. The stupa is famous for the many bas-reliefs of Buddha that adorn its base.

Inside the glen an oblong terrace was constructed by the Buddhist builders, and side by side on this terrace a stupa and a monastery were erected. Both the main stupa and monastery proved to be remarkably well preserved, standing to a height between 4.5 and 6 meters and still retaining many admirably executed reliefs in stucco on their walls.

The monastery is a typical Gandhara monastery with a square court of 27 cells with an open courtyard. Assembly hall, kitchen, refractory and baths are to the east of the monastery. A square water pool exists in the courtyard. In some of them, the stupas of venerated teachers or monks can still be seen. One of them is four meters high and was painted; traces of yellow, crimson and blue are still visible.

Mohra Moradu is one of the main attractions of the Gandhara Civilization in Taxila. Some of the most significant artefacts have been found here. One of them is a small stupa, a replica of which is most prominently displayed in the Taxila Museum. One learns and understands a lot about this, now vanished, civilization by visiting this place. The monuments are taken good care of and the surrounding natural beauty adds to its attraction. If you have not seen this place then you have missed a lot.

Mohra Moradu is strongly recommended for people who are engrossed in archaeology and history as this place has a lot to tell. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip by clicking on the following button and fill the form.

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Mohra Moradu Monastery - Taxila