It is sometimes purported to have been founded in the 3rd century BCE, around the time of the Indian king & great patron of Buddhism [[Ashoka]], though the earliest records of the temple date to [[555]]; texts indicate that a regional ruler worshiped at the temple at that time. | It is sometimes purported to have been founded in the 3rd century BCE, around the time of the Indian king & great patron of Buddhism [[Ashoka]], though the earliest records of the temple date to [[555]]; texts indicate that a regional ruler worshiped at the temple at that time. |