A Miniature sheet consisting of two nos of commemorative postage stamps issued on 11 July 2008 for the bilateral relations between India and China with the release of this set of two stamps depicting the Mahabodhi Temple and the white Horse Temple of added Philatelic value is the Miniature sheet the bankground of which depicts leaves of the Pipal tree. The Pipal tree is a significant epitome of Buddhist tradition as it was at the foot of this tree that Gutam Buddha abtained his Bodhi or enlightenment.
The Mahabodhi Temple, also known as the Great Awakening Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. It is one of the most revered and important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple marks the spot where Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is said to have attained enlightenment.
The original temple at the site was built in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, a prominent Mauryan ruler and follower of Buddhism. However, the temple complex has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. The current structure dates back to the 5th or 6th century CE, with subsequent restorations and enhancements.
The Mahabodhi Temple is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a large pyramidal spire (called a shikhara) that reaches a height of about 55 meters (180 feet). The temple is made of brick and stone and is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.
The focal point of the temple is the sacred Bodhi Tree, a descendant of the original tree under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. Devotees and visitors can meditate and offer prayers near the Bodhi Tree, which holds immense significance in Buddhist tradition.
The Mahabodhi Temple complex also includes various other structures and monuments, such as the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), the Animesh Lochana Chaitya (the place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week in meditation after attaining enlightenment), and numerous monasteries constructed by Buddhist communities from different countries.
The Mahabodhi Temple remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. It attracts countless visitors who seek spiritual solace and cultural enrichment. The temple and its surroundings have a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a place of deep contemplation and reflection.
The White Horse Temple, also known as Baima Temple, is located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China. It is considered to be the first Buddhist temple in China and holds great historical and cultural significance. The temple was established during the Eastern Han Dynasty in 68 CE.
Legend has it that in the 1st century CE, two Buddhist monks, named Moton and Chufarlan, traveled from India to China on white horses, carrying Buddhist scriptures and relics. Emperor Ming of the Eastern Han Dynasty was intrigued by their teachings and ordered the construction of the White Horse Temple to house the newly introduced Buddhist faith.
The temple complex consists of several halls and structures, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Great Buddha, the Mahavira Hall, and the Hall of Reclining Buddha. These buildings showcase traditional Chinese architecture and Buddhist art.
The White Horse Temple played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism in China. It served as a center for Buddhist learning and attracted scholars and monks from various parts of Asia. The temple became a focal point for the translation of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese and played a significant role in the development of Chinese Buddhism.
Today, the White Horse Temple remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists. It is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are interested in exploring China's Buddhist heritage. The temple complex has been renovated and restored over the centuries, but it still retains its historical and cultural charm.
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