BUDDHIST SITES
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Buddhism originated in India around the 5th to 6th centuries BCE, during a transformative era often referred to by scholars as the "Second Urbanisation" of the Indian subcontinent. This was a period marked by significant social and cultural shifts in the Gangetic plains. Buddhism, alongside other non-Vedic traditions like Jainism, arose as a reaction to the rigid and ritual-heavy practices associated with Vedic Hinduism.
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India hosts a wide array of Buddhist heritage sites that draw both pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. These spiritually significant locations not only highlight the rich history and core teachings of Buddhism but also offer peaceful settings ideal for introspection and meditation. Below are some notable Buddhist sites connected to the life of Lord Buddha
Lumbini (Nepal)
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Located in Nepal’s Rupandehi district, near Gorakhpur across the Indian border, Lumbini lies in the Terai plains and is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Lord Buddha around 623 BCE.
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Emperor Ashoka of ancient India erected a commemorative pillar at this site, which is now being developed into a prominent center for Buddhist pilgrimage. The archaeological remains related to Buddha's birth form the heart of the site.
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After being lost to history for centuries, Lumbini was rediscovered in 1896, leading to excavations. It was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya, Bihar)
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Situated in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, the Mahabodhi Temple marks the sacred spot where Prince Siddhartha achieved enlightenment in 589 BCE, becoming the Buddha—"the Enlightened One."
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Emperor Ashoka built a modest shrine here in the 3rd century BCE, with the remaining Vajrasana or Diamond Throne lying beneath the Bodhi tree. Further additions were made during the Shunga period (2nd–1st century BCE).
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The Chinese pilgrim Faxian, who visited in the 5th century CE, recorded the presence of three monasteries in the area. The present-day pyramidal temple structure dates back to the Gupta period in the 6th century CE.
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Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex includes a grand spire and a descendant of the original Bodhi tree. Pilgrims from across the globe come here to meditate and honor the Buddha
Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh)
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Kushinagar is revered as the place where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final liberation) around 483 BCE. Important landmarks here include the Mahaparinirvana Temple, with a reclining Buddha statue, and the Ramabhar Stupa, considered to be his cremation site.
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The site corresponds with ancient Kushinara, capital of the Malla republic, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas during the 6th–4th centuries BCE. It was later incorporated into several prominent dynasties such as the Mauryas, Shungas, Kushanas, Guptas, Harshavardhana’s empire, and the Palas.
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The earliest archaeological excavations in the area were led by Alexander Cunningham and A.C.L. Carlleyle in 1876, which revealed the main stupa and a six-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. Kushinagar is among the few places where the Buddha is represented in a reclining posture
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The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is recognized as the world's oldest known tree that has been purposefully planted and nurtured. It is believed to have originated from a sapling taken by an Indian princess to Sri Lanka. Let's explore what makes this sacred tree significant, along with some prominent Buddhist sites.
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This revered tree is thought to have sprouted from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya (in modern-day Bihar), beneath which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta (or Sanghamitra), a Buddhist nun and daughter of Emperor Ashoka. Her journey to Sri Lanka, carrying the sacred branch, is commemorated annually through the Uduvapa Poya festival, celebrated on the December full moon.
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The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, together with other ancient Buddhist monuments located in Anuradhapura, forms an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Today, Anuradhapura is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and spiritual importance
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In 2016, the Ministry of Tourism introduced the Buddhist Circuit as India’s first transnational tourism initiative, encompassing important sites not only within India but also in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The objective of this circuit is to provide pilgrims and travelers with an immersive experience of the life and teachings of Lord Buddha by following his journey across these sacred locations.
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This spiritual trail covers key destinations associated with various stages of Buddha’s life, including his birth, enlightenment, teachings, and Parinirvana. Major Indian sites on the circuit include Bodh Gaya, Vaishali, Rajgir, and Kushinagar in Bihar, as well as Sarnath and Shravasti in Uttar Pradesh. The international segment features Kapilavastu and Lumbini in Nepal.
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Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha, was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini and spent his early years in Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya clan. At the age of 29, he renounced worldly life and eventually attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. His first sermon was delivered at Sarnath, near Varanasi. He spent significant periods preaching in the Rajgir region, where King Bimbisara of Magadha provided him with a forest monastery. Shravasti became his primary residence during his later years as a teacher, and he delivered his final sermon in Vaishali before attaining Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar
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For Prelims: Dalai Lama, Janang tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, reincarnation, Khalkha Jetsun Dhampa,
For Mains:
1. What is Tibetan Buddhism? Discuss the Hierarchy and Reincarnation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
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1. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: (UPSC 2013)
1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.
2. Sankhya holds that it is self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2
2. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?
A. The extinction of the flame of desire
B. The complete annihilation of self
C. A state of bliss and rest
D. A mental stage beyond all comprehension
Answer: A
3. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (UPSC 2018)
A. Avalokiteshvara
B. Lokesvara
C. Maitreya
D. Padmapani
Answer: C 4. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
5. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes (2012) (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation
(b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara
(c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory
(d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer: B |
