Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu
![Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/so-the-buddha-rock-at-manthal-in-skardu-is-still-standing-v0-qgrcd7vnqjma1.webp)
Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu is a large rock with a relief sculpture of Buddha, which is located in Manthal village in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan. It is located about 3 km from the Sadpara Road that leads to Deosai. This rock is designed by some massive buddha carving surrounded by about twenty tiny Bodhisattvas and two standing Metreyias, which is a popular tourist destination in District Skardu. Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu is one of the very popular tourist attractions place as well as its historical and archaeological legacy.
When Buddhists were living in Skardu and practicing Buddhism there, Buddhists chiseled this rock. This place was a worship place for bhuddists before the arrival of Islam in Baltistan region. The world was not aware of this Buddha carving, the rock gained worldwide recognition in 1906 when a Scottish tourist published a book on her trip to Western Tibet. Later then, the local government has made their efforts to maintain this monument, and tourists who travel to Skardu then intends to go there. According to history the Manthal Buddha Rock, it has served as the Tibetans’ site of devotion until the 13th century when they constructed Skardu as their capital.
During the 14th century, Amir Kabir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) and his supporters reached in Baltistan region from Iran, which forever altered the dynamics of the area. Buddhism rapidly disappeared.
The rock is a sign of buddhist history and culture as it provides information on the local Buddhist traditions during their regime. It is located on a height so the rock offers a stunning view of the surroundings of Skardu city. At that time, Buddhist monks wanted to draw their dreams and experiences, as well as pictures of Buddha with words written in the Tibetan language.
Before the arrival of Islam in the region of GB, the majority of people were bhuddist and they sculpted Buddha images on many rocks. Since a few years ago, the local government has taken many steps to preserve this monument and it is visited by tourists who visit Skardu. For those interested in Buddhist culture and history, this site is of importance as it presents an insight into the Buddhist traditions of the region. The rock also presents a spectacular view of Skardu city as well as Himaliyan and Karakoram Mountains as it is located on a height.
Location of Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu
After reaching Skardu, you can easily reach here by using the route heading to Deosai or Sadpara Lake, which is situated on the right side of the road and crosses the Hargisa Nullah. It is located in the Skardu city not away from the main city, so you will reach here after only 10 minute drive from the city centre.
A Square shaped hole: Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu
After reaching here, you can see a hole at the left top of the rock. According to some historians, the hole was cut to hold the light or to hold the beam to carry a roof. The locals used this hole for throwing stones in fulfillment of parable, it is a great humor that if they succeed in holding the stone which was thrown by them in the hole it would be a sign of good augury. If women would throw stone in the hole and if the stone holds in the hole, it would be a sign that they would have a son and if they the pebble falls then it would be a girl.
Tourism Place: Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu
Manthal Buddha Rock is one of the famous tourist spots in Skardu city as well as historical and archaeological heritage of Baltistan region which needs to be declared a national heritage to attract more and more foreign tourists. According to history of Baltistan, Buddhism flourished in Baltisan and Kashmir in 4th century AD before it gained its foothold in Ladakh and Tibet.
Efforts made by BCDF, Baltistan
After passing many centuries, the Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu was not been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, nor has it been included in national tentative list. However, later the BCDF initiated efforts to protect and promote the site. A few years ago, 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 covered by some greenery area of Manthal.
![Manthal Buddha Rock Skardu](http://baltisn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/b.gif)
It is suggested that if you reached Skardu, then you should pay a visit over here and take pictures and sightseeing of the fascinating monument of Buddha Rock. It is not one Buddhist monument that is preserved in the country. Like this, many others are located in Taxila, Karagah Buddha in Gilgit is yet another Buddhist archaeological site located having 50 feet high amidst the Kargah Nala Gilgit Baltistan.