The “Dana-Paramita Foundation” is organised the Cave Workshop on January 18, 2026. Location and Prominent Figures President: Sunil Khare Sir Main Authority: Pravin Ratna Suresh Jadhav & Santosh Ambhore Sir Historical Significance of Sopara The ancient city of Sopara, formerly known as ‘Supparak,’ was one of the largest and most significant trading ports on the western coast of India. The discovery of the 8th and 9th edicts of Emperor Ashoka from the 3rd century BCE serves as the greatest evidence of the city’s historic importance. It was in 1882 that Pandit Bhagwanlal Indraji’s excavations brought to light this 2,500-year-old history. The Buddhist Stupa of Nalasopara The Buddhist stupa at Nalasopara is not merely a heap of bricks but an invaluable historical treasure. Statues of Buddha and Ashokan inscriptions found here testify to the ancient cultural splendor of the region. Supparak was a hub for global trade and a source of the message of peace. Preserving this stupa is not just a cultural responsibility but a preservation of our glorious history. Over time, such valuable history risks being forgotten, which is a matter of concern. During excavations, fragments of Buddha’s begging bowl, gold and silver flowers, and statues of the eight human Buddhas, including Maitreya Buddha, were found, confirming the sanctity of this stupa. The excavations conducted by Pandit Bhagwanlal Indraji in 1882 unearthed extremely rare artifacts from the stupa’s core. Artifacts from the Excavation Ashoka’s Edicts: Symbols of Influence Sopara’s significance during the Mauryan era is evidenced by the Ashokan inscriptions found there. Fragments of the 8th and 9th of the 14 major rock edicts engraved by Emperor Ashoka in his empire were uncovered here. Subject of the Edicts: The edicts emphasize the practice of ‘Dharma-Mangal’ (ethical conduct) over superstitions and unhelpful rituals, stressing the importance of good treatment of servants and respect for elders and compassion towards animals. These edicts are written in Prakrit language using the Brahmi script, first deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837. Historical Importance of the Edicts: These inscriptions highlight Ashoka’s recognition of this port city as a key center for spreading Dharma. It is also referenced in some texts that from here, Ashoka’s son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra went to Sri Lanka for the propagation of Buddhism. Punna Thera: The Beacon of Buddhist Teachings The Legacy of Venerable Punna Thera The revered Punna Thera played a pivotal role in Sopara’s rich Buddhist history. According to the ‘Punnovada Sutta’ in Buddhist literature, Punna Thera, originally a wealthy merchant from Sopara, was deeply influenced by Gautama Buddha’s teachings during a visit to Shravasti. Punna felt a strong affinity for his homeland, Supparak, and sought permission from Buddha to return to spread the Dharma. In a dialogue displaying Buddha’s unique style of testing his disciples, Buddha asked, “What would you do, Punna, if the people of Sopara speak harshly to you?” Punna replied, “I will think that the people are kind because they do not assault me physically.” Buddha continued, “And what if they do?” Punna said, “I will consider them kind for not throwing stones at me.” Buddha then inquired, “And if they stone you?” Punna answered, “I shall think them kind for not wounding me with weapons.” Finally, Buddha asked, “And if they injure you?” Punna affirmed, “I will consider them kind for preserving my life.” Impressed by Punna’s resilience, Buddha blessed his mission. With Buddha’s blessing, Punna Thera returned to Sopara and passionately spread Buddhist teachings, gathering 500 disciples and laying the foundations of Buddhism in Maharashtra. His enthusiasm, selfconfidence, and courage made him an exceptional solitary wanderer dedicated to propagating the Dharma. Author & Compiler – Asha Yeshwante -Uke.
