Manthal Rock Buddha

The Buddha Rock Manthal is situated on the left bank of Sadpara Nala, about 3 km south of Skardu town. The huge boulder is facing north-east towards Sadpara rivulet. The boulder is measured 8.5 m height and 8.2 m width. Here are preserved 23 beautifully carved Buddha`s and Bodhisattvas and long Tibetan inscriptions at the lower parts of the boulder and at the foot and legs of the Bodhisattvas. The face and figures of two Bodhisattvas are full front, but the feet are in profile, each foot being 12 inches long. The central Buddha, with Tibetan features is surrounded by 20 seated Buddha, all in earth touching pose, making a big square around the central Buddha, with two standing Bodhisattvas on either side. Bellow the line of the seated Buddha`s is the carvings of a beautiful globular vase with its neck and body decorated with petal designs. From the mouth of the vase sprouts a branch with two leaves with a long inscription on each side. The letters are about 2.5 cm long, deeply sunk, and coloured with red pigment which makes them very distinct, except in places where they have been purposely chipped away. Above are two small circles and pointed arch. Above this pointed arch, there are carvings of seven other pointed arches. Over these arches are shown seven seated Buddha in earth touching scenes. All the 21 seated Buddha and the two standing Bodhisattvas are grouped inside a big pointed arch. The inscriptions in seven lines at the base of the boulder preserve traces of red color. It appears that original the carved Buddha`s and Bodhisattvas too were painted red. Traces of which can still be seen on the left arm of the central historical Buddha. The lower portion of the rock being easily accessible, has been damaged to an irreparable extent, however, a portion of the inscriptions is saved with traces of red colour still visible. On the eastern face to the rock traces of some figures are also noticed.