| Buddhist Centers of Uttar Pradesh |
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Of all the things Uttar Pradesh is famous for is its many Buddhist centers. The most famous of these Buddhist centers is located in Sarnath, about 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon about 2,500 years ago on attaining enlightenment. This was the moment when Buddha was mesmerizing, glowing and ready to address his disciples; the moment called Dharamachakra Pravartan.
You find the Dhamekh stupa, 34 meters high in Sarnath signifying the ‘seat of the holy Buddha’ and the ruins of Dharmarajika Stupa. The famous Mulgandhakuti Temple, which was supposed to have been 61m, is also located here. It was Emperor Ashok who erected a pillar here to mark the Buddhist Sangha and it is the Lion Capital found atop this pillar that is India’s national emblem. You can also make a visit to the Sarnath Museum to have a look at some great Buddhist sculptures. Lord Buddha chose Shravasti to spread his message of humanity, salvation and brotherhood amongst the segments of the society because of its ambience. It remained Lord Buddha’s annual rainy season retreat for 27 years. The attractions here are the Pakki and Kachchi Kuti and the remnants of several temples, Viharas and Stupas. The World Peace Bell that was established here with the help of Japanese to use the bell’s toll to spread the message of humanity. Sankisa is found on the banks of river Kali and is the place where Buddha descended from heaven and this is where Emperor Ashok had erected a pillar with an elephant capital to mark the spot. Kaushambi was the city visited by Lord Buddha during the 6th and 7th year on attaining enlightenment. With the many sermons that were delivered here, this place is considered to be a Buddhist center of high learning. Numerous sculptures, cast coins, figurines, the Ghositaram Monastery, an old fort and ruins of an Ashokan pillar have been found here during excavations. Kushinagar is the hamlet where it is believed Buddha had breathed his last. It is considered to be the place where Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana was attained under a sal tree at 80 years of age, on a full moon day. The cremation stupa, the Rambhar Stupa marks the exact spot and it is said that Buddha’s ashes were divided into 8 parts, and distributed amongst eight disciples who then built these Stupas in his memory. |
