As you travel along the scenic river Swat, specifically from Barikot to Odigram, you will come across several Buddhist monuments that dot the landscape. Among these remarkable structures, the most notable is the stupa located at Shingardar, also spelled as Shankardรขr. According to local legend, this stupa holds a connection to a legendary king named Uttarasena.
Legend has it that King Uttarasena, under the command of his master, collected and safeguarded the relics of Buddha within this magnificent stupa. The significance of this historical figure and the sacred relics stored within the stupa have contributed to its esteemed reputation.
However, it is worth noting that the stupa associated with King Uttarasena was not constructed during the late fifth century BCE, which marked the period after Buddha's ascent to Nirvana. Rather, it was built during the sixth century CE, indicating a considerably later timeframe. The architectural features of the stupa, particularly the presence of "Greek" pilasters, exhibit Greek influences, further supporting this later dating.
The stupa of King Uttarasena stands as an imposing structure, its grandeur captured in the accompanying photographs. In the second photo, the foreground reveals a road that cuts through the stupa's foundation. While this act can be seen as an unfortunate act of vandalism, it inadvertently provides us with a better understanding of the monument's immense size. The stupa itself measures a striking eighteen meters, with its foundations extending a significant eight meters below the surface.
Within the stupa's basement, there exists a hole that has been utilized by treasure hunters seeking to acquire the sacred relics of Buddha. This stupa, in comparison to the one at Zurmala, not only surpasses it in size but also boasts superior preservation due to its relatively more recent construction.
The stupa of King Uttarasena stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage in the region, inviting visitors to appreciate its historical significance and architectural splendor. It serves as a tangible reminder of the profound impact Buddhism had in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the Swat Valley.
