The Maldives is an Islamic country but, the Archaeological evidence states that Buddhism and Hinduism co-existed during the ancient times which is somewhere before 1153AD.Let’s look into some of these significant artefacts and reminiscence of Buddhism that can still be found in these enchanted islands.
Image by Kanatonian via Wikimedia commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dhanbidhoo Buddhist monuments
Being one of the significant artefacts found in the Maldives is the Lōmāfānu – royal edicts incised in copper plates were discovered in the Haddummati atoll in a ruin. This artefact describes the transition from Buddhism to Islam that happened in the 12th century AD.
Dhevvadhoo Buddhist temples
Located in the Northern Huvadhu Atoll, the remaining of a once-stood Buddhist Stupa can be found here and it is said that this stupa had high importance in the Maldives before it was introduced to Islam.
Araiadhoo Buddhist Stupa – Arti atoll
The island located several miles from the mainland houses a symbol of the phallus which is carved from coral stone. This was discovered in 1959. This is also one of the famous landmarks in Maldives
Kuruhinna Tharaagandu
Located on the Kaafu atoll this was also a well known Buddhist temple in the ancient times. It is said that it was built in stages from the 3rd to 9th century AD. This is one of the ruins that provide solid evidence for the fact that Buddhism existed in the Maldives. From the unearthed artefacts, there are remaining of the Aldabra giant tortoise shells and it is evident that religious sacrifices have also been made here.
A soulful experience
Suggested by blog site The Maldives Travels these ruins are worth exploring. Witnessing the remaining of a lost culture will give you new perspectives to view the world. Make your holiday in Maldives a memorable one by partaking on a journey to explore these ruins among the unchartered islands of Maldives.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
