Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is a city in the Gaya district in the state of Bihar. Historically known as the Bodhimanda meaning ground round the Bodhi-tree, it is famous for being the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. So, many monks made a pilgrimage tour to India and large monasteries began to settle there.

Bodh Gaya TourThe main monastery of Bodhgaya used to be called the Bodhimanda-vihara (Pali), but now the Mahabodhi Temple. For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites in India, related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath. In 2002, the Mahabodhi temple in India became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims from far and wide throng to this holy Buddhist travel.

The Mahabodhi temple

The Mahabodhi Temple complex is located about 96 kilometers from Patna. It houses the Mahabodhi Temple with a diamond throne called the Vajrasana and the holy Bodhi tree. Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha as he meditated on this diamond seat under the Bodhi(Ficus Religiosa) tree. This tree was grown from the sapling of the original Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.

It is widely believed that after the enlightenment of the Buddha, emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya. He is considered to be the founder of the original Mahabodhi temple. It consisted of an elongated spire crowned by a miniature stupa and a chhatravali on a platform. The upper sanctum can be reached after climbing double flight of steps. The mouldings on the spire contained images of Buddha, in niches. As per the historians the temple was constructed or renovated in the 1st century during the Kushan period. With the decline of Buddhism in India, the temple was abandoned and forgotten, buried under layers of soil and sand.

Later, the temple was restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham as part of his work for the British Archaeological Society in the late 19th century. In 1883, the site was painstakingly excavatede by Cunningham along with J D Beglar and Dr Rajendralal Miitra. Extensive renovation work was carried out to restore Bodh Gaya to its former glory.

The Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo(from the Sinhalese word Bo) is a large and very old Sacred Fig tree. Gautama Buddha, achieved enlightenment (or Bodhi) under this sacred tree. Being the most important of the four holy Buddhists pilgrimage sites, ardent devotees frequent this tree. The Sacred Fig growing at the Mahabodhi Temple, is probably a direct descendant of the original specimen.

History

Prince Gautama Siddhartha was wandering as a monk and reached the sylvan banks of Falgu river . Falgu river near the city of Gaya. He began to meditate under a bodhi tree. After three days and three nights of meditation, Siddharta attained enlightenment. He then spent seven weeks at seven different spots in the vicinity meditating and considering his experience. After seven weeks, he travelled to Sarnath, where he began teaching Buddhism.

Disciples of Gautama Siddhartha began to visit the place where he had gained enlightenment during the full moon in the month of Vaisakh (April-May), as per the Hindu calendar. The place came to be known as Bodh Gaya and the tree as the Bodhi Tree. The day of enlightenment was named as Buddha Purnima. The area was the heart of Buddhist civilizations for centuries, until it was conquered by Turkish armies in the 13th century.

The best season to travel to Bodh gaya is between October to March. Summers are too hot and winters too cold. The nearest airport is at Gaya at 17 Kms and Patna at 135 kms. The nearest railway station is Gaya (17km). Bodhgaya is well connected by road and one can hire taxis, tongas, auto Rickshaws and cycle Rickshaws. There are also regular direct-chartered bus services.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar or Kusinagar is a town and a nagar panchayat in Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Being an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, it is the place where Gautama Buddha died.

KushinagarKushinagar, now is a frequently visited Buddhist travel site for Indian and foreign tourists. Temples have been constructed by Indian, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Thai, Burmese, South Korean, Tibetan and Japanese Buddhists. Along with them stand the ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas. Kushinagar is one of the main four sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. The other three are Lumbini, BodhGaya and Sarnath.

History

Known as Kushavati (Jatakas) in ancient times, Kushinagar was a famous centre of the Malla kingdom of ancient India. It one of the most important four holy sites for Buddhists. Here, Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana (or Final Nirvana) near the Hiranyavati river. The Buddha fell ill after eating a meal of a species of mushroom which translates as "pig's delight".

Many of the ruined stupas and viharas in Kushinagar date back to 3rd century BC - 5th century BC. It was the time when prosperity was at its peak. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is said to have contributed to significant construction at this site.

In the 19th century Kushinagar was rediscovered after, more than half a millennium at Kasia. After violent invasions, Kushinagar lost its vitality and eventually was neglected.

Buddha's Visit to Kushinagar

At the time of the Buddha, Kushinagar was the capital of the Mallas and also the place of the Buddha's death.Kushinagar was a small city with mud roof houses amidst a jungle. Buddha had chosen it for his Parinirvana. After the Buddha's death his body was carried into the city and finally to Makutabandhana, where his body was cremated. After the Buddha's death, Kusinara (declared by the Buddha himself) became one of the four holiest pilgrimage sites in India of Buddhism. The other three being Lumbini, Bodhgaya and Sarnath.

Rediscovery of Kushinagar

It was in Kushinagar where the rediscovery of the remains of the Parinirvana Stupa and Parinirvana Temple was made. They were covered in a 40 foot high mound of bricks and surrounded by a dense thorny forest. On the arrival of an East Indian Company officer, E. Buchanan, in Kasia a survey-work was conducted. In 1854 H. H. Wilson, made the suggestion that ancient Kushinagar and Kasia were the same.

General Alexander Cunningham, an archaeological surveyor, proved the site to be that of Gautama Buddha's passing. Work resumed around 1861-62. In the late 1800s, excavations began and many important remnants of the main site such as the Matha were found.

Tourist Spots in and near Kushinagar

• Mahaparinirvana Stupa : Built on the place of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (Great Nirvana or passing away)
• Makutabandhana : 1.6 kms away, is the cremation-site of Gautama Buddha's body. Devotees make a pilgrimage tour to India to visit this site.
• Buddha Image : Closeby is also a 1500 year old image of the Buddha as he attained Parinirvana.

The Mahaparinirvana Stupa is surrounded by ruins of ancient monasteries. The Maitreya Project is also building a 500ft/152m bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha near Kushinagar.

The Rumtek Monastery

The Rumtek Monastery in the northeastern state of Sikkim in India. The pilgrimage centre is a prime Buddhist travel site and is of great significance to the Buddhists. Also known as Dharma Chakra centre, it is 24 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital of the Sikkim. The Rumtek monastery is situated at an altitude of about 5800 ft (1,547 metres) The best time to travel is from March to late May, October to Mid-December. Tour BokkingIt is among the holiest pilgrimage sites in India.

Description of the Runtek Monastery

The Rumtek MonasteryThe drive to the Rumtek Monastery is along a beautiful countryside of Sikkim. It is one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. The 300-year-old Monastery was built in 1960's by his holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese invasion. It houses some of the worlds most unique art pieces, ancient manuscripts and icons.

Dharma Chakra Center includes a beautifully structured main shrine temple and also a monastery with quarters for the monks. The Karmapa resides here only and most of the important relics are enshrined in this monastery. A Shedra, or monastic college houses the relics of the Sixteenth Karmapa. There is also a retreat center, a nunnery; stupas; a protector's shrine; institutions for the lay community; and other establishments. The Rumtek Monastery Sikkim, traditionally designed, is almost a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

History

One of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects, the Rumtek monastery has the seat of the Karmapa. In 1959, after the communist Chinese invasion, His Holiness the Sixteen-Gyalwa Karmapa fled Tibet. After arriving in Bhutan, he received a formal invitation from the Choegyal (Dharma King) of Sikkim.

The Choegyal Tashi Namgyal and royal family of Sikkim had a long-standing connection with the successive lines of Karmapas.The royal family decided to offer permanent residence for His Holiness and his party in Sikkim. His Holiness accepted the Choegyal's invitation to set up his main exile seat in Sikkim. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa resided in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center.

Major Events of the Year

Guru Rinpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen: Held in the fifth lunar month of the Tsurphu Tibetan calendar, the events lasts for ten days. It is followed by the traditional sacred lama dance of the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava (on the 10th day), Yidam dieties, and other protectors.

The Mahakala Protector Practice: It is a festive ten-day practice held at the end of the lunar year, in the 12th month (usually sometime between February and March).

The sacred lama dance of Mahakala: It is a traditional dance held on the 29th Day of the 12th month.

The Tibetan New Year: Cultural and spiritual festivities are held for usually 3-8 days. It involves many Tibetan opera dance performances.

These events give a unique opportunity for both practitioners and the general public to make a pilgrimage tour to India and enjoy the traditional sacred lama dance performances, intense week-long practices, and the cultural celebration of the Tibetan New Year.

Sarnath Tour

Sarnath (also called Mrigadava,Migadāya, Rishipattana, Isipatana) is located in Uttar Pradesh, India, 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi. A Buddhist travel site, Sarnath is a deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma. It is also the place where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Isipatana is one of the four sacred places for the Buddhisht is mentioned by the Buddha as one of the four Buddhist pilgrimage sites, which the devout followers of Buddhism should visit.

Origin of the name

Sarnath means "Lord of the Deer". Another old Buddhist story is linked with this holy town. A king was was planning to kill a doe. But the Bodhisattva was a deer who offered his life to the king.The king is so moved that he creates the park as a sanctuary for deer. The park is still there today.

History

SarnathMonastic Tradition has been in vogue for over 1,500 years on the site of the Deer Park, since the times of Buddha.After his five weeks of his enlightenment, the Buddha went from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath. Buddha travelled to Sarnath to join and teach his friends, whom he had to give up before enlightenment. When Gautama Buddha found them, he taught them, they understood and as a result they also became enlightened.

At that time, the community of the enlightened ones or the Sangha, was found. Gradually, the Sangha had grown to 60 in number, and Buddha sent them out in all directions to travel alone and teach the Dharma. All 60 monks were Arhants.

Discovery of Sarnath

The present day, modern Sarnath was identified with Isipatana. It was Alexander Cunningham who found the Migadaya that was represented by a fine wood.Covering an area of about half a mile, it extends from the great tomb of Dhamekha on the north to the Chaukundi mound on the south. Among the prime pilgrimage sites in India, Sarnath showcases the strong presence and influence of Buddhism in India. Buddhist from far and wide make a pilgrimage tour to India.

Sarnath, at present

The Park today bear reminisces of the times when Lord Buddha rendered his teachings. A well-planned museum in the vicinity exhibits a number of unearthed statues, many of them barely damaged, along with several other findings from the site. The famous lion capital from Ashoka's pillar dominated the museum's entrance. The existing inscription of Ashoka's pillar, dating from that time, implies that a monastery was already established during Ashoka's reign. In the past, two great stupas adorned the site.

Dharmashala Tour

The town of Dharamsalalies in the northern regions of Indian the state of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the top slopes in the higher reaches of Kangra Valley, Dharamsala is a holy tourist spot for the Buddhists. In the background are the Dhauladhar Mountains that present a truly scenic view. The town is a proof of the British colonial atmosphere that prevailed here, once upon a time. Dharamsala has come to be, as the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. Dharamsala is also the seat of His Holiness, The 14th Dalai Lama in India. This makes it an ideal Buddhist travel site.

DharmashalaDharamsala is divided into two parts, the Upper Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj) and the Lower Dharamsala, varying by approximately 1000 m in altitude. The former is the abode of Tenzin Gyatso, the present Dalai Lama. It, also houses a large community of Tibetan exiles.

Dharamsala or Dharmshala literally means "Rest House". A large settlement of Tibetan refugee resides in Dharamsala. Adorned in their robes, monks and old Tibetans can be seen walking with rosaries or the prayer wheels rotating in their hands. This is a predominant sight in this little town. It is one of the most sought after Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

In Dharamsala, the major attractions for the tourists are monasteries and temples. There are also several institutes that have been established to preserve the art, culture and traditions of Tibet. Many foreign devotees of the religion of Buddhism thus, make a pilgrimage tour to India.

History:

Dharamsala came into being in 1849.It served as subsidiary cantonment for the British troops stationed at the Kangra Valley. As the town was fully occupied by its garrison there was no space for the civil station. The slopes of the Dhauladhar mountain became an alternate location.

In Dharamsala, Hinduism and Buddhism have had a fair share. Many monasteries had been established by Tibetan immigrants in the 8th century but are believed to have declined. There was a revival of the Hindu customs and traditions. Now, the local Gaddi people are mostly Hindus worshipping mainly Durga and Shiva.

In 1848, the British annexed the area and established a military garrison. In 1852, Dharamsala became the administrative capital of Kangra District. It also became a popular hill station for the British, giving them a cool respite during the hot summer months.

In 1960, the Dalai Lama had to leave Tibet in exile. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru offered to extend a helping hand to him and his followers to establish a "government in exile" in Dharamsala. From then on, many Tibetan exiles have settled in the town, establishing monasteries, temples and schools. These form part of prime pilgrimage sites in India.

Tourist Attractions in and around Dharamsala:

• Namgyal Monastery: It is the personal monastery of The Dalai Lama. It houses huge statues of the Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava. There is also an institute for futures Lamas, to learn higher Tibet studies.
• Gangchen Kyishong: The offices of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives are located here.
• Monastery of Nechung Oracle: Situated within the complex of Gangchen Kyishong, the official oracle of The Dalai Lama sits here.
• Men-Tse-Khang: Located very near to Nechung, it is the center for Tibetan Medicine Norbulingka Monastery: This beautiful monastery has a rich collection of art, paintings, handicrafts and thankas.
• Rewalsar: The cave temple of the great Indian Tantrik Guru Padmasambhava is located here.
  • The Allahabad Museum : It has most of the antiquities discovered at Kausambi. There is an excellent collection of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculpture and other interesting exhibits. It is a major tourist spot but the entry ticket is too much at Rs. 200 per person.
  • The Archaeological Museum : It is in the Department of Ancient History in the Allahabad University. It has an extensive collection of the minor antiquities found at Kausambi. It will be mainly be of interest to the specialist.
  • The point of intersection of the river Yamuna with the Ganges : It is the place where ascetics practice many types of austerities, following the footsteps of their ancestors who did it, during the Buddha's time. Thousands of devotees including foreigners make a pilgrimage tour to India, to this spot wash off their sins
  • An Ashokan Pillar
  • An old fort
  • Ghositaram Monastery
  • Climate:

During the months of December and January, snowfall and hail is common. In winter, Dharamsala is very cold. The Dhauladar range of hills, at over 15000 feet, is covered with thick snow during winter and sometimes in Autumn and Spring also. Thick forests of Pine and Deodars offer a natural sight around the town.

How to reach Dharamsala :

The nearest railway station is that of Pathankot, approximately 85 km away from Dharamsala. The nearest Airport is at Gaggal, approximately 13 km away from the town. There are also regular bus services from Manali, Delhi and Shimla to Dharamsala.

Kausambi Tour

Kausambi is a small district situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. During the time of Buddha, it was the erstwhile capital of 'Vatsa Janpad' and came under the reign of King Udyana. The distinct feature of Kausambi is that it was the abode of Lord Buddha in the 6th and 9th year after his enlightenment. Kausambialso had the privilege of being the place where Buddha delivered a number of sermons. This brought it to the status of a learning center for Buddhists. Hence, it is a famous Buddhist travel site.

History

KaushambiKausambi was once, a great city was the capital of Vamsa and the scene of several important events in the Buddha's life. It was rated as one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites. One can also see one of Ashoka's pillar and a little further away are the ruins of the Ghositarama, first built during the Buddha's lifetime. The huge ancient ramparts of the city are now all in ruins.

Kausambi, at present

The archaeological excavations carried out in Kausambi have led to the finding of numerous figurines, sculptures, coins, punch-marked, cast coins, terra-cotta sculptures, etc. Architectural relics and ruins of prominence also came up during the excavations. A number of stupas in Kausambi, India were also discovered. Of them, the most impressive one is 25 m in diameter and 25 m in length. It dates back to the 5th century BC. It is among the prominent pilgrimage sites in India.

The three main tourist spots that are worth visiting are :

• The Allahabad Museum : It has most of the antiquities discovered at Kausambi. There is an excellent collection of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculpture and other interesting exhibits. It is a major tourist spot but the entry ticket is too much at Rs. 200 per person.
• The Archaeological Museum : It is in the Department of Ancient History in the Allahabad University. It has an extensive collection of the minor antiquities found at Kausambi. It will be mainly be of interest to the specialist.
• The point of intersection of the river Yamuna with the Ganges : It is the place where ascetics practice many types of austerities, following the footsteps of their ancestors who did it, during the Buddha's time. Thousands of devotees including foreigners make a pilgrimage tour to India, to this spot wash off their sins

Some of the other spots are :

• An Ashokan Pillar
• An old fort
• Ghositaram Monastery