The Buddha's words:
"Ananda, the places that people with faith and devotion should know, see, and contemplate with reverence and solemnity are the locations where the Tathagata attained supreme and perfect enlightenment (Anuttara Sammasambodhi)."
Lumbini: The Birthplace of the Buddha
Located in Nepal, about 21 kilometers from the Indian border, Lumbini is a vast open plain featuring significant historical and spiritual landmarks. Key sites include the Maya Devi Temple, the Puskarini (sacred pond), and two large mounds that demarcate the boundary between the ancient cities of Kapilavastu and Devadaha. At the center of the site stands the Ashoka Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate the Buddha’s birthplace.
The area also houses a Buddhist monastery maintained by the Nepalese Sangha, along with a single tourist lodge. A Tibetan monastery has been recently established nearby. While the roads within Nepal’s territory are somewhat rugged and not well-maintained, they are still passable.
The Nepalese government has taken steps to preserve the Lumbini site and its archaeological artifacts to a satisfactory extent. Unfortunately, traveling between Lumbini and Kapilavastu, which are only about 14 miles apart, is not convenient within Nepal. Visitors must retrace their route back to Nautanwa in India and then take an additional train station route to reach Kapilavastu.
The Sacred Bodhi Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi): The Site of Enlightenment
The site of the Buddha's enlightenment is located on the western bank of the Neranjara River in the Uruvela Senanikom village, in the Gaya District. The ancient capital of the region was Rajgir. Today, the Neranjara River is approximately 200 meters from the site of enlightenment. Locals now refer to the river as "Lilajan," a name derived from the Sanskrit term "Nairanjana," meaning "clear and pure water." This river originates in Hazaribagh, south of Gaya, and flows to meet the Mohini River, forming the "Phalgu River," which continues through Gaya. The total length of the Neranjara River is about 150 miles.
The site of enlightenment is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, near the state capital, Patna. Upon approaching the sacred area, visitors can see the Mahabodhi Temple, a prominent square-shaped stupa standing 170 feet tall. The temple and the sacred Bodhi Tree sit in a depression about 5 meters below the surrounding land level.
According to the Chinese monk Xuanzang, who visited India in the 7th century CE (1173 BE), this area was once surrounded by the Mahabodhi Monastery, built by a Sri Lankan king named Meghavanna. The monastery comprised six chambers, four spires, and could accommodate up to 1,000 monks. A thick wall, 9 feet wide and 30-40 feet high, enclosed the monastery.
Unfortunately, during the 12th century (around 1743 BE), the site was destroyed by Muslim invaders, leaving the structures in ruins. However, the Bodhi Tree itself was spared from destruction. Over time, the ruins became buried under debris about 4 meters deep.
In 1877, Sir Alexander Cunningham and a team from the Indian government obtained permission to excavate the site. They unearthed the ancient relics and restored the Mahabodhi Temple to its current state.
Today, the sacred Bodhi Tree stands next to the temple, with the Diamond Throne (Vajrasana) positioned in front. This is the exact spot where the Buddha sat in deep meditation and attained supreme enlightenment (Anuttara Sammasambodhi). Visitors must descend the stairs behind the Bodhi Tree to fully experience this revered site.
Sarnath: The Site of the First Sermon
The world received the light of wisdom through reason and truth, starting with the Buddha's first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, delivered after six years of intense practice and enlightenment. This sermon marked the beginning of the Buddha's proclamation of truth to humanity, making Sarnath a sacred site, symbolizing the supreme essence of wisdom for mankind.
Sarnath is located in the Isipatana Deer Park, about six miles from Varanasi. The site features ancient stupas and archaeological ruins. The most notable is the Dhamek Stupa, a cylindrical structure resembling an overturned bowl with a conical top, measuring about 120 feet in diameter and 80 feet in height. This stupa commemorates the Buddha’s first teaching, which led to liberation. As a result, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta has become a central subject of study and devotion for Buddhists worldwide.
The Sarnath site covers a vast area and contains many excavated ancient relics, including the Mulagandhakuti, the Buddha's residence during his time at Sarnath. The Ashoka Pillar, although broken into several pieces, remains preserved and is an important artifact for archaeological and historical study. The Indian government protects and maintains the site, including the recreation of the ancient Deer Park from the Buddha's time.
A Sri Lankan monk, Anagarika Dharmapala, played a significant role in enhancing the area. He built a replica of the Gandhakuti monastery with architectural inspiration from the Mahabodhi Temple, including a hall adjacent to the Dhamek Stupa for visitors to admire.
Another notable stupa near Dhamek Stupa is the Chaukhandi Stupa, located approximately 700 meters away. This site is believed to mark where the five ascetic disciples, the Pancavaggiya, first saw the Buddha as he approached to deliver his teachings. Although later adapted as a burial site by Muslim rulers, the stupa remains significant.
Varanasi itself, located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, holds great spiritual significance, especially for Hindus. The Aswamedh Ghat on the riverbank is a site for bathing rituals believed to cleanse sins. The grand annual ceremony of bathing in the Ganges during the full moon of the eleventh month draws massive crowds. Other traditions include continuous cremation ceremonies at the ghats, believed to have persisted for over 5,000 years, and the ritual of submerging the bodies of celibates into the river.
Travel to Sarnath
Sarnath is only about 9 km from Varanasi, making the latter a convenient hub for visitors. Varanasi is well-connected by railways, roads, and air, with several accommodations available. Visitors often use taxis to explore Sarnath, and those with additional time may continue their pilgrimage to Kushinagar or Lumbini, as these sites are relatively close and can be included in the same trip.
Kusinara: The Place of the Buddha’s Parinibbana
Kusinara, also known locally as Kusinagara, is the place where the Buddha attained Parinibbana (final passing away) at the age of 80. This occurred after consuming his last meal, offered by a layman named Cunda (Chunda). The meal, described in Thai tradition as "pork," is interpreted in Indian records as Sukaramaddava, believed to be a type of mushroom favored by pigs. Today, the site of Cunda's residence, where the Buddha had his last meal, remains as a significant mound and is preserved under the care of the Indian government. The path from the Kakuttha River, which the Buddha crossed en route to Kusinara, is still identifiable, although less frequented due to difficult access.
The Parinibbana Site
The area of Kusinara, where the Buddha passed into Parinibbana, is spacious and surrounded by lush trees. At the site of the Gandhakuti (ancient monastery), there are Sal trees planted as a memorial to the Buddha. The Parinibbana Stupa, built in the shape of an overturned bowl, is large and historically significant. The stupa originally featured a triple-tiered umbrella at its peak, but it collapsed in late 1963, leaving the stupa partially intact today.
In front of the stupa is a grand hall housing the Reclining Buddha Statue in the Parinibbana posture. This statue is of considerable size and masterfully crafted, presenting the Buddha as peacefully lying in natural rest, without any strained or unnatural features. Many who visit describe the statue as deeply moving, evoking the sense that the Buddha has just passed into Parinibbana, leaving them in tears of reverence and sorrow.
Makutabandhana Cetiya
The Makutabandhana Cetiya, where the Buddha’s body was cremated, is located about 1 km from the Parinibbana Stupa. Today, it appears as a large, prominent mound. The Indian government has protected this site with fencing and proper care to preserve its historical and religious importance.
Kusinara remains a deeply sacred site for Buddhists worldwide, representing the profound moment of the Buddha’s final release and his teachings on impermanence.
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