Sopara Stupa Buddhist Archaeological Site (Nala Sopara)

India / Maharashtra / Nalasopara / Nala Sopara
 archaeological site, interesting place
Sopara was a well known port and headquarters of north Konkan. Sopara and Cheul (Champavati) were flourishing trade centres and seats of Buddhist learning. It has history dating back to 2500 B.C. Sopara also had trade links with many countries like Egypt, Babylon etc.

It is said that Buddhist were present in this place in 3 B.C. In 1882 a "Ashokan Stupa" was found in Sopara , this was the 8th Stupa amongst the 14 Stupas. In 1956 the 9th Stupa was also found in 'Bhuigaon' Village, and it was concluded that Buddhism was also being preached in this region. These Stupas were kept in the Prince of Wales museum in Mumbai. It is also said that 'Purna' follower of Gautam Buddha was sent to Sopara for preaching.

The Mauryan invasion of Maharashtra took place between 321 and 181 B.C. In 315 B.C. the Mauryans entered Sopara via Gujarat. Later on between 192 B.C. and 100 B.C. the northern parts of Konkan region were under the descendents of 'Shakkarni-Satvahan'.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   19°24'51"N   72°47'42"E

Comments

  • 2500 years ago Bhagwan Buddha has visited this place, Mahendra the son of Samrat Ashok has went to Sri Lanka with branch of Bodhivriksh. This place is very holy for Buddhist people
This article was last modified 6 years ago