Takht-i-Bahi , Buddhist monastery

Traveling about 22 km from Mardan via N.45 in approximately 30 minutes you reach the ancient city of Takht Bahi.

Takht-i-Bahi means throne of the water spring often mispronounced as Takht-i-Bhai's brother's throne. From the Main Bazaar traveling 2 km you reach an Indo-Parthian archaeological site of an ancient Buddhist monastery. The site is considered among the most imposing relics of Buddhism in all of Gandhara and has been exceptionally well-preserved.

As soon you enter the place you will find yourself in rolling green hillsides, tall trees, and houses on hilltops resembling Italy.

To reach the top you have to climb more than 280 stars and you are mesmerized by the amazing view of the Monastery situated at the hilltop.

According to history this Buddhist monastery was founded in the 1st century and was in use until the 7th century. The complex is regarded by archaeologists as being particularly representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its era. it is worth mentioning that  Takht-i-Bahi and this site was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

The word Takht-i-Bahi may have different explanations. Local believes that the site got its name from two wells on the hill or the springs nearby. In Persian, Takht means 'top' or 'throne' while bahi means 'spring' or 'water'. When combined its meaning is 'spring from the top' or 'high spring', and there were two springs on the top of mountains. Another meaning suggested is 'throne of origin'.

Once remote and little-visited, the site now has a road and car park set some way below the ruins, and has become popular with visitors.

There are four main areas of the Takht Bahi complex:

• The Stupa Court is a cluster of stupas located in a central courtyard.
• The monastic chambers consist of individual cells arranged around a courtyard, assembly halls, and a dining area.
• A temple complex, consisting of stupas similar to the Stupa Court, but of later construction.
• The Tantric monastic complex consists of small, dark cells with low openings, which may have been used for certain forms of Tantric meditation.

You are walking through the meditation cells which resemble caves-like structures with tiny doors and small stone rooms that disappear into the darkness. Passing through these you reach a completely dark room used for meditation with a little light illuminating the dusty floor. You will have an amazing experience.

Additional structures on the site may have served as residences or meeting halls, or for secular purposes. All of the buildings on the site are constructed from local stone and are mortared with lime and mud.

Archaeologists have divided the history of the complex into four periods, beginning in the 1st century BC. The monastic complex was likely founded in the early 1st century CE. It is proven by an inscription found bearing the name of Gondophares (20–46 CE).] After Gondophares, the place fell under the control of Kujula Kadphises the first Kushan king. This first era continued until the 2nd century CE and is associated with another Kushan king Kanishka and early Parthian and later Kushan kings. The second construction period, which included the creation of the Stupa Court and assembly hall, took place during the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. A third construction period, associated with the later Kushan dynasty and the Kidara Kushana rulers, occurred during the 4th and 5th centuries.

The region was run over by Huns in the middle of the fifth century CE which ended the Kushan rule there. The Hun Toramana and then his son Mihirakula unleashed genocide on the populace of Gandhara and the wholesale destruction of Buddhist monasteries. The Buddhist monastery of Takht-i-Bahi seems to have been destroyed in the same period of carnage by the Huns.

The complex nonetheless was in use until the 7th century CE.

The first modern historical reference to these ruins was made in 1836 by the French Officer, the Buddhist remains are in a village named Mazdoorabad. Explorations and excavations on this site began in 1864. A significant number of objects from the site can be found in the British Museum. The site underwent a major restoration in the 1920s.

but still to this day much of the monastery and the town that surrounded it remains unexcavated for thousands of years pilgrims have been coming here from China, Buddhist monks. They would come here sometimes just on a pilgrimage to come and worship and also sometimes to stay because this was the site of a university for the Buddhist monks. There were living quarters for the monks and kitchens where they would eat. So you do get a sense of the daily life of the monk something that is so fascinating and crazy about this place is that so much of it is still undiscovered so much still has to be excavated only 35% of the area has been excavated and uncovered. So there's still a lot of mystery about this place and so much more in these hilltops when you see these crumbling castle sort of structures.

You can have tea anywhere you want in Pakistan, even in the ruins of ancient civilizations.

The villages of Thordher (Old name Said Ghani Kalae), Ghafe, Lund Khwar, Sher Garh, Saroo Shah, Sehri-Bahlol, Pathai, Mazdoorabad, Fazl-e-abad, Gangai, Hathian, Jalala, Pirsaddi, Takkar and Mashal Khan Kalai are other historical places in the vicinity of Takht-Bhai. The most historical location in the era is Sehri Bahlol. This Buddhist monastery is situated on Malakand Road.

The word "Sehri-Bahlol" has been explained by various people differently. Local people claim that this is a Hindko word meaning "Sir Bahlol", a prominent political and religious leader of the area. However, the name is not as old as the village of Sehri-Bahlol.

After returning from the site to the Main Bazaar you will find delicious food items and famous Chappli Kabab and grilled fish. The most highly rated restaurants for grilled fish and chappal kababs are Gulsaid Tikka Fish and Gul Ahmed Chappli Kabab.

Explore Travelpakistani's diverse and Best Takht-i-Bahi Tour Packages 2024 that can take you to Takht-i-bahi visit.