Vaishali: The much-anticipated Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Smriti Stupa in Bihar’s Vaishali was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday. The cultural and spiritual monument, spread across 72 acres and developed over a period of six years, has been constructed at a cost of ₹550.48 crore.
Built to honour Bihar’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage, the grand complex spans parts of both Vaishali and Muzaffarpur districts. The state-of-the-art facility includes a museum, amphitheatre, library, meditation centre, visitor amenities, and a 500 KW solar power plant, making it a major attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, senior NDA leaders, and Buddhist monks from 15 countries. Religious rituals were performed before the official opening, followed by a detailed tour of the premises by the Chief Minister and dignitaries.
A key feature of the museum is the holy relic of Lord Buddha, housed on the first floor. The sacred bone urn was unearthed during archaeological excavations of the ancient Mud Stupa in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The relic holds immense spiritual value and is widely recognised as one of the most authentic remains of the Buddha.
The structure has been constructed using over 42,000 sandstone blocks sourced from Rajasthan’s Bansi Paharpur, fitted together using the tongue-and-groove technique for durability and earthquake resistance. Enhancing the spiritual ambiance is a statue of Lord Buddha sculpted by artisans from Odisha.
On social media platform X, Nitish Kumar expressed his pride in the project, stating that he personally monitored the progress to ensure timely completion. He called the inauguration a proud moment for Bihar and underscored Vaishali’s historic significance in the evolution of Buddhism.
The site’s location near the Pushkarni pond and original Mud Stupa excavation area adds historical value, while its eco-friendly landscaping and green initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainable tourism.
Bihar Tourism Secretary Pranav Kumar said the museum will serve as a major step in boosting Buddhist tourism in the region and creating new opportunities for local communities.
