| Buddhist Circuit |
|
In Bihar is situated Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi
tree. There's also Rajgir where Lord Buddha spent many years for meditating. And there's also
Nalanda, where existed one of the most ancient universities of the world which used to be
the dream destination for distinguished people, religious leaders and astronomers from across
the globe.
Indeed, the state offers to tourists a varied wealth of Indian civilisation,history and culture
coupled with exquisite scenic beauties and wildlife. Within its precinct is also located Vaishali,
the first republic in the world.
Bihar has been recognised as a cradle of movementsbe it in the field of art, culture,religion, literature or human rights.Apostles of peace Lord Buddha,Lord Mahavir,Guru Gobind
Singh and Mahatma Gandhi have all significant connections to this land.
It is the land on which the earliest seeds of democracy took roots. In the preachings of
Lord Buddha, man found answers to the woes and sufferings of the humanity at the hands of
time, tyranny and violence. People embraced Buddhism and the holiest sermon, Buddham
Sharanam Gachchhami,reached beyond the boundaries of our country.
Bodh Gaya is revered by Buddhists as the
place where Prince Siddhartha Gautama
attained enlightenment to become Lord
Buddha. Located 91 km south of Pataliputra, it
was part of the ancient kingdom of Magadh.
There is archaeological evidence of occupation
in the area as far backas 1100 BC.
During the sixth century BC, Prince
Siddhartha had been wandering, seeking the
meaning of life for six years before he came to
the area.Sitting down under a peepal tree,he
vowed to remain there in meditation until heattained enlightenment.
Emperor Ashoka built a shrine here in the
third century BC to commemorate the event.
The present Mahabodhi Temple is believed to
have been built between the fifth and seventh
centuries BC. Repairs and renovations were
later done as and when needed. Built
upon a 15-metre or 49-ft square base,
pyramid rises 52 metres or 170ft and is built
entirely of bricks.Tower shown each of the structure's four cornersriseto the same height.
Inside the temple, there is a gigantic black stone statue of Buddha which is believed to be around 1700 years old. He is shown seated
with his right hand upon the earth,the posture he held while attaining enlightenment. Till date,the Mahabodhi Temple remains an important pilgrimage destination and has become a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The present Bodhi tree stands behind the Mahabodhi Temple and is at least the fourth
descendant of the original one under which prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment.
Scores of stupas of varying sizes were built at Bodh Gaya over the past 2500 years,most
of which are noted for their elegant construction and ornamental relief carvings. There are other
Sacred Spots nearby such as the Vajrasana or Diamond Throne, a red sandstone seat under the Bodhi
tree which marks the spot where Lord Buddha sat; the Animesh Lochana,where he sat during the first week after his enlightenment to gaze at the sacred tree; and the Jewel Walk which is decorated with eighteen carved lotuses, where Buddha paced during the second weekafter his enlightenment. |
