KL Report
Srinagar
At first sight you get overwhelmed by beautiful flowers, snow capped mountains, chirping birds and cool breeze moving softly. But as you move forward the mood of the scene changes suddenly. The historic village of Parihaspora in North Kashmir’s Pattan area was once known as the capital of Buddhism.
Located at a distance of just two and half kilometers from the Baramulla Srinagar Highway, the capital now lies in ruins.
Parihaspora was known as Aswoun Shahar (city of joy). A great Bhuddhist ruler in the history of Kashmir Lalitaditya made it his capital. He constructed three historical monuments here viz. Chatiya, Rajbihari and Sootopa in 8th century BC. In Chatiya the assembly was held and matters of common interest were discussed. Rajbihari was the court of the kingdom. In Sootopa which was a seven storey building, matters related to religion were set and rituals were offered.
“A 50 feet stone of 3,3600 kilos of gold and thrice of it bronze was inbuilt in the famous monument of Rajbihari,” reads the document that lies in the office located in front of the corner of this historical place.
However, the capital was destroyed when Shivas attacked it and looted the wealthy empire. Lalitaditya was killed in the battle.
In 1958, this historical monument was declared as “monument of national importance” by Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites and Remains Act, Government of India. The monument situated on 85 Kanals of land would have been a major attraction in its golden days but today lies in shambles because of government apathy.
Though people from different places of the world visit this historic place but there are no facilities available for them. It lacks almost even the basic facilities. Syed Muhammad Mosvi who has been the watchman of the place from the last 21 years said that proper drinking water and electricity is not available here which makes it difficult for tourists to stay here.
Given the acute water shortage in the area it is ironic that the premises of the historic city spread over a vast expanse of 85 Kanals of land has only one gardener for its maintenance. Now Government hires laborers but they are only paid a meager amount of rupees 130 a day.
Number of employees hired to safeguard the monument is less than required. They include four daily wagers who have been waiting for the regularization from past 21 years.
As reporter of GNS was walking over the scattered stones, he was asked to be a bit cautious of snakes for whom the stones are motherly places. “There are thousands of snakes, that are 1-2 feet long and usually they come out in March,” said an 8th class student giving company.
A handful of local tourists as well as outsiders felt mesmerized in the green grass decorated with beautiful flowers. “Earlier, we feared to come here but now situation seems ok,” said Deepak from Jammu, adding that “Kashmir Jammu Se Badiya Hain”.
A visitor Muhammad Shafi from Narbal says that this place reminds him how short lived the joys of this world are. “There is nothing more than stones left here, one’s pride is lowered here, they were rulers in their times but now, where are they?”
This historical place has a highest potential to be developed as tourist spot but the support of Government as well as locals is imperative. (GNS)
