Vishwa Shanti stupa, Rajgir, Peace Pagoda on Ratnagiri Hills in Rajgir, India.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa is a white monument on the Ratnagiri Hills that rises 120 feet (37 meters) high with four golden Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions. The structure spans 103 feet (31 meters) in diameter and appears as a gleaming, symmetrical sanctuary from every angle.
The stupa was completed in 1969 as part of a global peace movement following the atomic bombing during World War II. It marked the beginning of a series of around 80 peace monuments built across the world.
The monument displays Buddhist statues that reflect key moments from Buddha's life and serves as a place where people gather for meditation and prayer.
You can reach the hilltop by cable car or by climbing the stairs, which lead to an elevation of about 400 meters. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the stairway has many steps, and the cable car offers a faster option on hot days.
The monument was the first of its kind in India and blends Japanese and Indian architectural styles together. This fusion of styles reflects its roots in an international peace movement.
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