Seminar to promote Lakhisarai’s rich Buddhist heritage

ATAL ADHIKARI

LAKHISARAI, :  A three-day tourism seminar is being held in Lakhisarai, Bihar from May 2 to 4 to promote the district’s rich Buddhist heritage and tourism potential. Organized by the Lakhisarai district administration, the event is the first of its kind and has attracted participants from Sikkim, West Bengal, Bhutan, Bihar, and other parts of India. These attendees, who follow Buddhism, are sharing ideas to develop tourism in the region.

Lakhisarai holds great importance for Vajrayana Buddhism due to its historical and spiritual connections and links with Guru Padmasambhava, as per available research.

Villages in the district are linked to Tibetan Buddhist traditions such as Kagyu, Jonang, and Nyingma. Key sites like Balguddar, Kiul, Jora Temple, Lali Pahad, and Rampur are tied to Guru Padmasambhava’s legacy. A special five-leaf crown from Rampur’s king, now preserved in Bhutan, highlights the region’s spiritual significance.

On the first day, the delegates visited important Buddhist sites, including the Balgudar Kaswa Stupa, Kiyul Basti Fort, Sansar Pokhari, and Lali Pahadi. Excavations conducted between 2017 and 2020 by the Bihar Heritage Development Society and Visva-Bharati University, with support from the Bihar government, uncovered remains of a Buddhist monastery from the 8th to 13th centuries. Buddhists believe Guru Padmasambhava stayed at these sacred sites.

The second day featured a heritage walk with participants visiting Dhanari Lake, Surajgarha Bridge, Urain (Odiyana), Sahmalpur (Shambhala), Singri Rhi Rhi Dham, Mount Sumeru, Jallapa Sthan, Singarpur Dakini Temple, and Rampur Gobind Baba Temple. These visits showcased Lakhisarai’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

District Magistrate Mithilesh Mishra stated that the seminar aims to improve infrastructure, raise awareness, and preserve Buddhist heritage. The event is expected to bring economic benefits to locals and position Lakhisarai as a global tourism destination for pilgrims, tourists, and researchers interested in Vajrayana Buddhism.

The seminar and heritage walk will continue till May 4 with more site visits and discussions planned to promote sustainable tourism strategies for the district.