Ancient pillar carved with Buddha image found in Nalasopara

An ancient pillar carved with a figure of Gautam Buddha was discovered near a Buddhist stupa in Nalasopara on Friday. The stupa comes with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The founder of Buddha Vihar and Buddhist monk Bikhoni Sangamitra said, “the pillar was discovered when workers were digging the ground to lay a garden". "The pillar is a proof of Gautam Buddha's visit to Sopara village."

Following the discovery of the pillar, the digging work was discontinued. The pillar will now be inspected by ASI officials and historians before being moved to safety. The state government, along with the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), is working on converting the stupa into an international tourist spot. The stupa complex will house meditation centers, a museum and a mini theatre where films on the Buddhist stupa will be shown.