Vishwa Shanti stupa as Informative tool

 Vishwa Shanti Stupa 

Taken by me on my trip to Rajgir

    1/1/2025

Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a white round temple of Rajgir which symbolizes peace, spirituality and global harmony. It is located at top of Rajgiri hill in the Nalanda District of Bihar, India. It is said to be constructed by Japanese Buddhist Organization Nippozan Myohoji, under the guidance of Japanese monk Nichidatsu Fuji who was the follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence and peace. It was built as a part of a worldwide network of peace to promote message of non-violence after the horror of World War II. This stupa is one of over 80 constructed around the world after the bombing in japan, World War II. 

This stupa has its unique feature round with golden spire on the top, its color white symbolizing peace and purity. Surrounding the stupa there are four beautiful golden statues of Lord Buddha facing each in different direction representing birth, enlightment (understanding truth about life and the world), teaching and nirvana(Freedom from suffering). Near this stupa lies small Japanese temple and prayer hall where visitors and monks chants the prayer. With its location at the top makes it much more peaceful and a fresh area.

Pilgrims and tourists can either have a fascinating experience trekking uphill witnessing the beautiful white smoke what looks like a clouds floating within the green mountains or one can glide through the sky like a free bird watching the beautiful scenes and having an adventurous experience through so called as the cable transport making it much easier to reach the destination. Walking uphill one can encounter monkeys and a pedestrian with the people selling the religious things (incense sticks, religious books, pictures, religious necklace). For the people visiting that place for the first time can also hire a professional guide who would escort them to the Vishwa Shanti Sutupa. Rajgir holds a historic importance in Buddhism as it said that Lord Buddha spent several years there and delivered his word of wisdom. Today Vishwa Shanti Stupa attracts tourists from all around the world especially the Buddhist countries. Therefore, this stupa holds the significance for the Buddhist community. 

This stupa can be used as an effective educational tool by teaching students about the global peace, Buddhist philosophy and cultural heritage. It serves as symbol of non-violence and unity, allowing educators to integrate lessons on history, art, architecture, geography and ethical values. BY exploring the stupas origins, structure, and global presence, students gain insights into the spread of Buddhism and role of such monuments in promoting harmony across cultures.