By Rahul Sharma (11thMarch, 2008)
Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kapilavastu, Sravasti. These are towns in Uttar
Pradesh resound with the teachings of the Buddha. All of them are important
pilgrimages of Buddhist.
Sarnath was once known as Rishipatana or Mrigdava. History says, astounding
300 rishis (saints) attained nirvana at Rishipatana. Mrigdava, on the other
hand, was a home of herds of deers that wandered freely in the safe
surroundings. Sarnath is also known as Dharmachakra or Sasharmachakra
-parvartana-vihar after Buddha first delivered his first sermon to his
disciples (once friends of Buddha). Buddha first established his sangha in
Sarnath. During the reign of Emperor Ashoka ( 500 years after the death of
Buddha) prospered Sarnath . The massive Dhameka Stupa owes its existance to
Asoka. During Gupta period this stupa was ornated. The credit for developing
Sarnath and revival of Buddhism as it exists today, however, goes to Angrika
Dharmpala, who visited Sarnath in 1891 and resorted Buddhism to its days of
glory.
Kushinagar is the place where Lord Buddha left his body. The discovery of
this ruined state goes to General A. Cunningham and A.C.I. Carlyle, who
excavated this site in 1861, which is now a prominent Buddhist place in
Uttar Pradesh. The place is 53 km from Gorakhpur and can be easily reached
by bus. The Kushinagar is a small village having a serene atmosphere. The
temples in the place where Buddha breathed his last is said to be 1500 years
old. The stunning six meter long Chunar sandstone of reclining Buddha is
important landmark for numerous visitors who arrive at the place to get
witness the Buddhist glory.
Prince Gautam, later known to world as Lord Buddha spent his childhood in
Kapilavastu and left all worldly pleasure at the age of 29. He was the son
of Shuddhodhana, the king of Sakhya dynasty of 6th century. Today Kapilvastu
is the assemblage of several villages. In the year 1973-74, a massive stupa
was excavated with an inscription of ancient Brahmi script. Inscription
refers the name of king Kanishka, who was a great patron of Buddhism.
Excavation also unveiled some ruins of the palace of King Shuddhodhan.
Sravasti once a fabled city where Lord Buddha displayed himself sitting on
a thousand petalled lotuses and then multiplied by million images before his
reached the heaven. In history, Sravasti is best known for long rule of
Kosala dyanasty. Sravasti is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage because here
Buddha preached many sermons to his disciples. The legendary story of dacoit
Angulimal who converted himself totally from a ferocious dacoit to one of
the calm disciple of Lord Buddha, is linked with the Sravasti.`A place
called Angulimala is famed here for some Buddhist ruins.
Related Links
Sarnath
Other Buddhist Pilgrimages In India
Rajgir
Bodhgaya
Nalanda
Mahabodhi Temple
Buddhist Tour Package
Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour
