Thursday, April 08, 2010

Buddha's domain - UTTAR PRADESH

Buddha's domain
The buddhist circuit exudes religious fervour and architectural beauty in equal measure, attracting tourists and pilgrims from all over the world


Emperor Askoka erected many pillars across the land to spread Gautam Buddha's message of peace, truth and non-violence. The spread of Buddhism began before the first millennia when it travelled to China, Japan and other nations. In Uttar Pradesh, the Buddhist circuit emcompasses places where Buddha either set foot or delivered a sermon: Sarnath, Kushinagar, Piparahwa, Sankisa, Sravasti and Kaushambi. These sacred places of Buddhism have stupas and viharas that reflect Mauryan culture and architecture.

To preserve the relics of Buddhism, the Archaeological Survey of India did several surveys and extensive excavations. The remains that were recovered were deposited and preserved in several monuments and memorials. In the initial five decades following Independence, not much preservation work was done. The priorities were different then and funds were scarce. It was in the 1990s that a clear blueprint for preservation and development of these places was drawn up. Restoration work was started immediately. Funds made available by the Japanese government was used to develop the Buddhist tourism circuit. However, places of Buddhist interest have yet not been fully linked to the rail and air netwrok.

Sarnath: This place is known for Buddha’s first sermon after he attained enlightenment. To commemorate the occasion, Emperor Ashoka built several monuments in third century BC. These places attract thousands of tourists every year. Chaukhandi Stupa was built in 1553 AD. This is the place where Buddha appointed five disciples to spread his message.

Dhamek Stupa: This Stupa is 34 meters tall and marks the spot where Buddha delivered his first sermon. It is cylindrical in shape and is constructed entirely with stones and a few bricks. The building is a classic example of the architecture of the Gupta period.

Mul Gandha & Kuti Vihar: This temple in Sarnath was built by Mahabodhi Society and a Japanese artist painted scenes from Buddhist mythology. A branch of the Bodhi tree has been planted here. The beautiful painting in the backdrop shows Buddha giving instructions to his five disciples.
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Source :
IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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