June 2003
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| During student days, we decided to do a little hike to Manthal Buddha Rock on the foot from Skardu city. When we reached to Rock site heavy rain started, and we did not have any rain cover at that time, In this picture, we were sitting behind the buddha rock under a tree waiting for a stoppage of rain. |
Centuries have passed, yet the watchful gaze of Buddha endures over the tranquil town of Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). Carved in stone, the sage continues to emanate wisdom to those who seek it, although sadly, there are few who do.
Perched on the edge of Manthal village, adjacent to a stream from Satpara Lake, the pale and smooth granite, known as the Buddha Rock, is a relic believed to have been carved between the 8th and 10th centuries. It represents a glorious bygone era when individuals sought enlightenment in the footsteps of the "One Who Woke Up."
The rock bears witness to a vanished tradition and holds significance beyond borders. However, it languishes on the outskirts of Manthal village, neglected and forgotten by the world.
According to Pakistani folklore, the rock remained unknown until British traveler Jane E. Duncan documented it in the early 1900s. Duncan's encounter with the rock brought it to the attention of German scholar August Hermann Francke, who deciphered the Tibetan inscription on the rock and published it, unveiling its magnificence to the world.
Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the rock and its Tibetan inscriptions were noticed earlier. GT Vigne, a British explorer, reproduced the carvings and inscriptions in 1836 and 1838, while AGA Durand published a photograph of the entire rock in 1899.
The ancient relief on the rock depicts Siddhārtha Gautama, the present-time Buddha, at its center. Surrounding him are twenty smaller Buddhas representing the past, with future Buddhas, known as Maitreya, standing on both sides. The carving, known as the "Council of all Buddhas," holds deep significance in the Buddhist tradition and lends its name to the village.
The Tibetan script, although incomplete in places, instructs followers of Gautama to preserve and care for the sculpture. It emphasizes the faithful ones' responsibility to maintain the brightness of the sculptures and keep the offering place clean to prevent decay. Only one part of the script remains visible today, but when Duncan examined the rock, the entire script—with a few missing characters—was intact.
The purpose of the square hole above the Buddha's head, as described by Duncan, remains a subject of debate. Some believe it was used to hold a light, while others suggest it once supported a beam and roof to protect the carving. The square recess and cuts on the edges indicate the presence of a canopy that shielded the paintings on the rock face.
Preservation of the site is essential to safeguard its history. Many believe that the location played a vital role in the spread of Buddhism and attracted pilgrims from distant places. However, concrete evidence regarding its exact use remains elusive.
Despite its historical and cultural significance, the Buddha Rock has not been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, nor has it been included in Pakistan's Tentative List. Organizations like the Baltistan Culture and Development Foundation (BCDF) have initiated efforts to protect and promote the site. BCDF has constructed a boundary wall around the rock, deployed a security guard, and collaborated with the government's tourism department to build a nearby tourist hut.
While the true story behind the rock may never be fully revealed, its unique composition and depiction of all Buddhas make it an invaluable piece of art. As part of a larger group of Buddhist relics in the region, the rock carving in Skardu stands out for its high-quality craftsmanship and emphasis on the cosmic nature of Buddha.
Baltistan's Buddhist heritage gradually faded over time, replaced by the advent of Islam. The religion's preachers called for the abandonment of the past, resulting in the deterioration and destruction of religious sites and monuments. Today, only a handful
of artifacts, including the Buddha Rock, remain as enigmatic remnants of "Little Tibet's" ancient legacy.
