{
  "id": 16479528,
  "title": "Rajgir’s Vishwa Shanti Stupa Marks 57th Anniversary With Japanese Monks, International Delegation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/rajgirs-vishwa-shanti-stupa-marks-57th-anniversary-with-japanese",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T12:21:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/rajgirs-vishwa-shanti-stupa-marks-57th-anniversary-with-japanese-monks-international-delegation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Monks from Japan and an international delegation convened in Rajgir, Bihar for the 57th anniversary celebration of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also recognized as the World Peace Pagoda. This event underscored the monument's ongoing connection to Buddhism, peace, and spiritual unity. Further details are as follows.\n\nThe Vishwa Shanti Stupa marked its 57th year since its establishment. Notable participants included Japanese Buddhist monks from the Nipponzan-Myohoji sect, a delegation of 30 Japanese businessmen led by Kensuke Horiuchi, Bihar Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta serving as the chief guest, and additional monks.\n\nDuring their visit, the delegates chanted prayers for global peace at the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple, the revered Bodhi Tree, and the Muchalinda Pond. They also struck the Peace Bell at the Meditation Park, expressing their continued aspirations for peace and harmony worldwide.\n\nThe pristine white-domed stupa stands as a significant Buddhist site, drawing pilgrims and tourists from India and beyond. The anniversary celebration highlighted the historical and spiritual bonds between India and Japan, especially through their shared Buddhist heritage. The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, inaugurated in 1969, was conceived as part of a worldwide peace endeavor linked to Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii and the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order. This movement established peace pagodas across various parts of the world to advocate for non-violence and harmony.\n\nThe Rajgir stupa is among the key landmarks associated with this initiative. Its placement in the historically rich city is particularly noteworthy, as Rajgir holds a special place in the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha spent time in Rajgir, a crucial center during his lifetime. The surrounding area, including the nearby Nalanda region, remains of immense importance in Buddhist history.",
  "summary": "Japanese monks and an international delegation gathered in Rajgir, Nalanda district, Bihar, to celebrate the 57th anniversary of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda. The occasion highlighted the monument’s enduring association with Buddhism, peace and spiritual harmony. Let's understand in detail. Japanese Monks Celebrate Vishwa Shanti Stupa's 57th Anniversary Rajgir's…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}