Buddha Vihar is located in Gulbarga on a sprawling 70 acre land. It is the nations largest and one of its kind. It is adjoining the Gulbarga University in the city outskirts.It is built by the Siddartha Vihar Trust at a cost of more than Rs 8 crore, is considered to be one of the biggest in the entire South India.
Nearly 1,500 tonnes of cement, 250 tonnes of steel, 5 lakh bricks and 200 cubic metres of sand have been converted by artisans and craftsmen into this beautiful structure that is built. The main structure stands on 32,450 sq ft of land on 170 pillars with 284 blocks. Each one of these reflect the Ajanta and Ellora sculptures and art.
The ground and first floors of the vihar have the sanctum sanctorum where two exquisitely carved idols of Lord Buddha are installed. A six-foot idol of Lord Buddha carved from glossy, black stone sculptured by sculptor Ashoka Gudikara of Bidadi in Ramanagaram district is installed in the ground floor. Buddha Vihar will be one of its kind spiritual centre in the country. The building will be a symbol of ancient history and social movements in the region. It serves as a great tribute to Buddha,Basava and Ambedker,who struggled and dedicated their lives for the needy in the society.
It is not only a great tourist centre and also a centre of creativity and research.This is centre is doing a lot of research on Buddhism.
The beautifully sculpted panchloha idol with a gold coating is the biggest of its kind in South India. A gold-plated smiling idol of Lord Buddha along with his favourite disciples, Anand and Kashyap, has been brought here from Bangkok,and it was brought to India in 2004.
The intricately carved doors in rosewood and teakwood are designed by artisan Kaiser Ali, connected with the royal family of Mysore.The complex consists of a museum, where another idol of Lord Buddha is installed, an auditorium, guesthouses, and a dining hall.
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