Darjeeling, a hill station in West Bengal, India, has long been known for its picturesque landscape, tea gardens, and colonial-era architecture. Among its most serene landmarks is the revered Peace Pagoda. This spiritual monument, designed to promote peace and tranquility, transcends religious barriers, inviting visitors from all walks of life to experience its calming presence.
The Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, or Shanti Stupa, was established under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan, who was inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931. He embarked on a mission to construct Peace Pagodas all around the world as a symbol of world peace and non-violence. The cornerstone for the Darjeeling Peace Pagoda was laid on November 3, 1972, and it was consecrated on November 1, 1992.
The structure stands at a height of about 28.5 meters and spans approximately 23 meters in diameter. The pagoda is festooned with four avatars of the Buddha, carved from sandstone and elegantly placed to watch over the four cardinal directions. It has emerged as a symbol of unity, showcasing the coexistence of different faiths and communities in Darjeeling.
As Darjeeling grew in stature as a favored hill resort during the British era, the region's Buddhism-inspired architecture began to attract curious travelers. The establishment of the Peace Pagoda added a new dimension to this rich tapestry, blending spirituality with tourism.
Tourists from all over the world started flocking to this site shortly after its inauguration, keen to witness the magnificent white structure that stands against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range. The aesthetically designed stupas, enshrining golden effigies of Lord Buddha, narrate tales of his life and teachings.