JOIN USUoM, the new abode of the Enlightened One
Buddha got enlightenment under a peepal tree, that became popular as ‘Bodhi Vruskha’ (Buddha tree). Now, the University of Mysore is recreating the moment of enlightenment, by installing a statue of ‘Buddha in meditation posture’ under a peepal tree at the serene Manasagangotri, the PG campus of the varsity.
The nine-ft tall statue, carved of white stone with Buddha sitting on lotus, has been installed near the boy’s hostel, off the road that leads to the day care centre of the varsity. Steps made of marble have been laid up to the statue. The surroundings will be developed into a garden and the ongoing works are expected to be completed in two months, Registrar C Basavaraju told Deccan Herald.
While the statue was planned as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of the varsity, the garden with stone benches, green lawn, drinking water and lighting was designed at an estimated cost of Rs 8 lakh, as a mark of tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary, Basavaraju added.
Importantly, the once esoteric Buddhism is spreading its roots in the City of Palaces too, inspiring the varsity authorities. Most people have embraced Buddhism in China, Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, other than India and in particular Karnataka.
4th statue in city
For record, it is the fourth Buddha statue in the city, after Buddha Stupa at Ballal Circle, Mahabodhi School in Saraswati- puram and Sanjeevini Memorial Hall in Vijayanagar. Buddha Stupa has turned out to be a most happening place with various programmes held on many occasions.
The varsity authorities also want to develop the place as a platform for such activities, by organising lectures and meetings near the statue, besides, creating a conducive atmosphere for people looking for refreshing atmosphere and also students.
Mention must be made of a few like-minded students, who had given a memorandum to the varsity authorities in this regard. They had set the tone two years ago on May 14, 2014, by temporarily consecrating 25 idols of Buddha under the same tree for celebrating ‘Buddha Poornima’.
Once the works are completed, ‘Buddha Katte’, as the statue is installed on circular stairs around the tree, is sure to be yet another landmark, with Gangotri already having a clock tower and statue of poet Kuvempu. The clock forms the circle in front of the round canteen, while the statue of Kuvempu welcomes visitors at the main entrance.