Thai Buddhist Monks Visit Hussainsagar Buddha Statue

Hyderabad: A group of Buddhist monks from Thailand and devotees from Cambodia, the US and India prayed at the iconic Buddha statue in Hussainsagar on Sunday evening as part of the World Peace Dhamma Yatra.

The delegation, which came to Telangana under the joint aegis of Gagan Malik Foundation and Siddhartha Buddha Vihara in Gulbarga (Karnataka), had visited the Buddhavanam project in Nagarjunasagar earlier on Saturday. The visit was facilitated under the guidance of Buddhavanam special officer Mallipally Lakshmaiah.

In Hussainsagar, monks performed Buddha Vandana (prayers) symbolizing peace and compassion. They then visited the State Museum in the Public Gardens to see ancient Buddhist ruins.

The monks said Buddhavanam, Hussainsagar Buddha statue and other heritage sites together have tremendous potential to become major international pilgrimage and tourism destinations. They appreciated the state’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage, describing the serene environment of Hussainsagar as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Shyamsundar Rao, art and promotion manager of Buddhavanam, informed the delegation about the Buddhist heritage and cultural significance of the region. The monks also recited the basic teachings of the Buddha – Buddham, Dhammam, Sangham Sharanam Gaccami – and recited special prayers for world peace.