Buddhism In Dharmapuri And Salem District of Tamil Nadu.

Buddha statue in Dharmapuri Archaeological Museum

Dharmapuri / Dhammapuri:
'Dharmapuri' was called once "Dhamma + Puri" i,e Town of Dhamma. It was a noted centre of Buddhism activities. The rulers Adhiyamans might be the Buddhists. The decline of Buddhism in South India continued up to 16th Century. They were killed by the force of Bhramanism. Later Buddhism fade away from Salem and Dharmapuri of Tamil Nadu. Today we can find, there are beautiful and big, about two metres high, sculptures of seated Buddha, carved in stone noticed at Deganur in Dharmapuri district.

Buddha statue in Dharmapuri Archaeological Museum

Headless sculpture of seated Buddha statue in Dharmapuri Archaeological Museum. It was founded during the explorations conducted near Kadakathur village of Dharmapuri district.

Salem / Seelam:
‘Salem’ gets its name from "Seelam" which is the Paali language. Asokan inscription mentioned it as "Sathyaputhra". There are so many places identified it. Few places like 'Thammampatti' near to Salem was "Dhammapatti" once and 'Thiyaganur' village which mean "Thiyanam (meditation) oor". These places are presence of early Buddhist elements. 

Buddha Statue in Thiyaganur Village of Salem district

The historical importance of the village Thiyaganur comes from the presence of two Buddha statues. One statue is under worship and a Vihar was built in 2013. Dhyana Mandapam (Meditation center) was opened in June, 2013 by Maharabushnam, the then Salem district Collector.

Buddha Vihar in Thiyaganur Village of Salem district

                                  

Regards,
Ambeth,

Dharmapuri,

Tamil Nadu.

Jai Bheem...!!

Reference:
* 'A Social History of India' By S. N. Sadasivan.

Also Read:
* Buddhist Works in Tamil Literary and Buddhist Teachers / Scholars of Tamil Nadu.