Buddha-era relics discovered in Yogidanda, preservation stressed

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, July 8: Buddha-era relics have been discovered at Yogidanda, in Ward No.12 of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, Rupandehi. 

Ward Chairman of Butwal-12, Dilli Prasad Sharma Acharya said that the unearthed relics are of the Buddha period. 

He reported the discovery of an old house, temple, grinding stones, ancient well and bricks at Yogidanda and stressed the need for further excavation in the area.

Previously, it has been reported that locals, while grazing cattle in the area, found historical artefacts, some of which were even taken home.

Chairman Acharya said that efforts would be made to draw the attention of the Department of Archaeology towards the scattered historical objects lying neglected in the lap of the 

Chure hill.

He also informed that a statue of the Buddha found at Yogidanda many years ago has been kept in the Lumbini Museum.

The Yogidanda area, which lies within the Charpala Community Forest, is believed to have been a Buddha-era city.

Chairman of the Forest Consumer’s Group, Jagannath Sharma, mentioned that the Buddha-era relics have been discovered in Charpala’s forest since long time. He also claimed that historical records indicate the area was one of the cities during the time 

of the Buddha.

He informed that they had been drawing the attention of the Department of Archaeology for years regarding the preservation of the area. But the department has remained indifferent towards the issue. 

Charpala Community Forest has preserved the discovered Buddha-era relics believing that it is an open museum.

Spokesperson of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City, Shiva Rana, expressed commitment to taking initiatives for the preservation of historically significant relics discovered in Yogidanda.  

He informed that the concerned bodies would be notified for further excavation.

Meanwhile, a Chinese research team visiting Lumbini Buddhist University also conducted a field study of the Yogidanda area. 

Ward Chairman Acharya informed that the Chinese team suggested the relics might date back to the Buddha-era and need detailed study and preservation.

Chairman Acharya further informed that the historical items could become a valuable heritage for future generations and should therefore be preserved. He further highlighted the need for further excavation of the area. 

Charpala Community Forest Chairman Sharma informed that the Lumbini Provincial government has provided some funds to construct sheds for preserving the historical artefacts. 

The conservation work is expected to take place this year, he added. 

Former chairman of Padmapani Natural Therapy Centre, Ram Prasad Bhattarai said that locals have long been finding wall structures, old wells and brick pots in the Yogidanda area of Charpala and the Ranibagiya Bankatta area of Sainamaina.

He said that some historical artefacts have disappeared due to a lack of preservation.