Angulimala Stupa is located in the ancient city of Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh. The stupa was excavated with the other ruins of Shravasti during 1863. Among the ruins of the Angulimala stupa, only the walls, a plinth and raised platform with a flight of stairs can be seen on the spot. Angulimala Stupa represents the immense influence of Gautama Buddha, which was indispensable for the development of civilization. The stupa is one of the major monuments of Shravasti.
History of Angulimala Stupa
The name of the stupa has been derived from the name of the ruthless decoit of Shravasti - Angulimala. Anguli means fingers and mala means necklace. The reason of having such name was that he chopped away the fingers of his victims and wore them as necklace around neck. One day, Angulimala with an outburst of anger was about to kill his mother when Lord Buddha was passing by the door. Buddha stopped him from killing his mother and showered wisdom on him to make Angulimala his disciple. Later, Angulimala established himself as one of the generous disciples of Buddha. Angulimala Stupa was built by him in the honour of Lord Buddha. The story of Angulimala is a great example of the abolition of caste system, which was propagated by Lord Buddha.
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