Ruined Buddhas, Bamiyan are some of the chief tourist attractions in Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Explore the cultural heritage of Bamiyan with a visit to the Ruined Buddhas, Bamiyan.
The chief town in the Bamiyan Province, Bamiyan is one of the finest tourist destinations in Afghanistan. The demolished statues of the Buddha in Bamiyan bring in hordes of tourists today, from far and wide. One of the famous scenic regions in the country, Bamiyan is home to numerous tourist attractions, the most famous amongst them being the Ruined Buddhas in Bamiyan.
Lying at an elevation of around 2500 m, Bamiyan is relatively cooler than Kabul. The Ruined Buddhas, Bamiyan are found on a cliff facing the north, and attract much tourist attention.
A big standing statue of Buddha and a small seated Buddha were created of a sedimentary rock of the region as early as the second century A.D. The construction work began under the patronage of Emperor Kanishka. It was most probably finished around the fourth and fifth centuries A.D.
These massive images were regarded as the largest Buddhist sculptures of the world. Cut from the sandstone cliffs, a mud and straw mixture were used to create the expression of the face, the hands and the folds of the robes. At first these were plastered and then painted. The two colossal statues were painted in gold and other colors. Glittering ornaments embellished these statues. The larger statue was 55 meters and it was believed to represent Vairocana, the "Light Shining throughout the Universe Buddha" and the smaller statue of Bamiyan was 38 meters and was said to symbolize Buddha Sakyamuni. Many however believe it to be a woman.
The presence of the Ruined Buddhas, Bamiyan is just the reason why tourists and travelers throng Bamiyan in droves. Created in the 6th century, the Buddhas were once regarded as the largest across the world. It was also considered as a major pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. The process of destruction started much early and continued over the centuries. Today only the 'footprints' can be seen. Although the paintings are ravaged, many of these are still preserved attracting much tourist attention.
For authentic information on the Ruined Buddhas, Bamiyan, visit travel.mapsofworld.
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