Abandon ancient Math in Pathiyar District Kangra, HP need Protection and Restoration.

Many authors has mention the existence of  Ancient Buddhist Viharas in Pathiyar and Lakhamandal area of district kangra. It is believed that whole area once had numerous Buddhist Math,Vihara and Monasteries. One such ancient Math is located near Ghar Wali Matta Dhar the place is locally called as Dharamgiri. One can approach the site from Pathiyar chowk by  taking the road of Maharana Pratap International School and college, infact site is just opposite to the college on Western side.

Presently site is in very deplorable condition. Prima facie it look to be very ancient in nature and belongs to Shaiv tradition. There is only a Shiva temple however numerous havan kunds and tantric objects can be seen in vicinity. Infact the whole site gives a Tantric outlook and seems to be connected with Nath tradition of medieval India. There are two more abandon temple standing in rice field. These temple are at around 50mt -60mt distance from main site. Which confirm that there was a large religious complex in the area. There is also a pond in the back side of temple. One of the most interesting feature of site is stone engraving on mudstone rocks. However engraving seems to be a new addition to the site. But it is definitely a work of learned artist.

 

Size of complex is really very large and it is located on small mountain ridge  The selection of site is seems to be very intelligent one, there is no dearth of mudstone . Bricks made of such stone can be seen scattered around the site. There might be some caves in the ridge. Builder had chosen this site due to availability of building material. There is also a perennial water stream near the site.

Why such a large complex was abandoned. Was this site also destroyed by Central Asian Huns and later mingled into Shaivism? we do not know what exactly was happened to this site. The Site give strong sense of Tantrism and we know Tantrism was practice in Buddhism before Hinduism. Discovery of many Buddhist artifacts and idols in Pathiyar , Lakhamandal and Chahri make a strong case that this site may turned out to be another Buddhist Vihara and a common Hindu-Buddhist heritage. 

Presently site has not been excavated and studied by archeological department.

Note:- Nath Tradition and Sidh Tradition both were outcome of Mahayana Buddhism and Brahminism.

              (Source for History of Nath tradition:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nath)

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Written By . Pardeep Kumar.