Saturday, September 11, 2010
BUDDHISM AND BIHAR
Bihar was once the most developed region of the ancient India. Ruled by the great Mauryans and the Guptas, Bihar is also the land of the famous diplomat Chanakya, the author of 'The Arthashatra' (literally 'the Science of Material Gain' in Sanskrit). But, today this land of Karna (of Mahabharata) Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh and Ashoka, is unfortunately one of the most under-developed states of India. Irrigated by the holy Ganges, Bihar is pre-dominantly an agricultural land, which is a sufferer in the hands of political anarchy prevailing in the state.
Significance of Buddhism in Bihar
The term 'Bihar' derives from the Sanskrit word 'Vihara', which means abode and it itself explains the relation of Bihar with the viharas, used as the Buddhist abode. The land of Bihar is considered to be the richest one in context of Buddhism as it showered the divine light of enlightenment on a young ascetic, Siddhartha Gautama, who had denounced all the luxuries of life in search of the truth. The Tathagata preached many of His sermons in different places of Bihar like Vaishali and Rajgir or Rajgriha to name a few. Even after His Mahaprinirvana, His disciples carried on the doctrine of Buddhism in the regions of Magadha or Bihar by setting up several monasteries and universities of Nalanda and much later, at Vikramshila. However, the contribution of the Indian emperor Ashoka(whose capital was at Patliputra, modern Patna) in the history of Buddhism cannot be ignored as it was he, who after becoming a Buddhist, patronised Buddhism as his state religion and spread its doctrine, Dhamma in different parts of India and abroad as far as Sri Lanka, Greece and Egypt.
Major Buddhist Places in Bihar
- Bodhgaya : Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Bihar. It was at Bodh Gaya, where a young ascetic, Siddhartha Gautama in His search of the reality of life, meditated under a Peepal tree, attained enlightenment and became the Buddha or the Tathagata. Today, Bodh Gaya, a home to Maha Bodhi temple, Maha Bodhi tree and numerous monasteries, is a venerated place among the Buddhists from all the corners of the world, who visit the place to mark the enlightenment of the Buddha.
- Nalanda : 'Nalanda', which means the place that confers the lotus, emerged as an important Buddhist university and religious centres in the 4th-5th century CE. The scholars of the Nalanda monastic university such as Bodhidharma and others took Buddhism to other parts of the world, China, Korea and Japan to name a few. Though in ruins today, Nalanda is an inseparable part of the state and its history.
- Vaishali : Located in Bihar near Patna, Vaishali was the first place visited by Siddhartha Gautama in India, when he left home as an ascetic. Once again, it was at Vaishali, where the Tathagata had announced His soon to arrive death or Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali, a place jeweled with stupas(One contain Buddha's relics), monasteries and temples, is frequently visited by the Buddhists, Jains(for birthplace of Mahavira) and other tourists.
- Rajgir : Siddhartha Gautama had once visited Rajgir(Rajgriha) during His search for an enduring truth and again returned back at this place as the Buddha, this time to spend some years over here. It is believed that two rock cut caves at Rajgir were the favourite retreats of the Tathagata and He preached two of His sermons here. The small city of Rajgir with its numerous attractions such as Vaibhav hill, Ajatshatru's fort and Swarna Bhandar among many others, is a holy place for the Hindus and Jains as well.
Major Buddhist Monuments in Bihar
- Maha Bodhi Temple : A world heritage centre declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO), the Maha Bodhi complex in Bodh Gaya homes an ancient temple of the Buddha, built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Pampered with a superb and magnificent architecture, the temple houses a 150 feet high tower, which further contains a gilded colossal image of the Buddha in the 'bhumisparsha mudra' or touching the ground pose.
- Maha Bodhi Tree : The Maha Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is the most revered place for all the Buddhists as it was under one of the predecessors of this ficus(peepal) tree where a young man, to fulfill His thirst of the truth, meditated and achieved the divine light of enlightenment. The 160 years old Maha Bodhi tree, fifth generation plant of the original one, stands as high as 80 feet, and a major centre of pilgrim for the Buddhists from all over the world.
- Nalanda Monasic University : The Nalanda monastic university in Nalanda, though in ruins today, was once one of the most famous learning centres of the world. Established during 4th-5th century CE, the Nalanda university was destroyed by the Islamic invaders in the 12th-13th century CE, and is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Vikramshila University : The remains of the Vikramshila university near Bhagalpur(50 kilometers) is a major Buddhist attraction of Bihar. Built during 8th century CE by Dharampala, the Vikramshila learning centre flourished as a centre for Tantric Buddhism or Tantrayana.
Other Major Attractions
- Patna : The state capital of Bihar, Patna is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges or the Ganga. Earlier known as Patliputra, Patna is not only a major gateway to all the Buddhist destinations in Bihar, but at the same time, the city in itself has always been a major historical, cultural and political centre of the state. A home to several monuments like GolGhar, Sadakat Ashram and Harmandirji, and several museums such as that of Kumhrar, Patna was also visited by the Buddha while crossing the river Ganga.
- Bhagalpur : Famous as the 'silk City', Bhagalpur is one of the major cities of Bihar. The historic place of Bhagalpur was once a part of the 16 Mahajanpadas or the republics, but then was known as Anga. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Bhagalpur today is the district administrative centre as well as an agricultural market. The city is also famous for the remains of the ancient Buddhist monasteries along with its silk, fabric weaving and sugar milling.
- Gaya : A home to Bodh Gaya(8 kilometers), the place of the Buddha's enlightenment, Gaya in Bihar is sacred for the Hindus as well, who visit the famous 'Vishnupad temple', where the God Vishnu is bekieved to have preached the reality of death. The city is also famous for industries of cotton, jute, sugar and stones along with the trade of tobacco and betel leaves.
- Madhubani : The heart of art and culture in Bihar, Madhubani is worldwide famous for its paintings, the finest folk art carried by the women of the region. Besides, Madhubani is also famous for the tantric practices in the temples of the Hindu goddess Kali and the ruins of the palaces of the earlier heads of the princely state of Darbhanga.
Bihar has been the ultimate pilgrimage for the Buddhists. It was in Bodh Gaya (Bihar) where Lord Buddha became enlightened. The prime Buddhist pilgrimages/sites of Bihar include Vaishali (where Lord Buddha preached many a times and announced his impending nirvana), Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment (nirvana) and Nalanda, which developed as a great center of Buddhist learning. Rajgir is yet another important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar, where Lord Buddha spent much time giving sermons.
Barabar Caves are situated in Barabar Hills, at a distance of approximately 20-25 km to the north of Gaya, Bihar. These hills are famous for the four rock cut caves that are sited here. Dating back to the 200 BC, these caves were constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, for the Ajivikas.
Champanagar is situated in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India. It lies at a distance of approximately 220 km away from the capital city of Patna. The significance of this place stems from the fact that it had the fortuity of being visited by Lord Buddha a number of times.
Don is situated in the state of Bihar. There is a legend associated with Don. It is believed that after the cremation of the mortal remains of Lord Buddha, an argument ensued between his four disciples over the division of his ashes.
Ghosrawan is a small village situated in the state of Bihar, India. The significance of Ghosrawan stems from the fact that it stands on the site of a very large and important Buddhist Monastery.
Gurpa is a small village, situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 33 km from Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim destination in India. The village is considered as significant because of its association with Maha Kassapa, the successor of Lord Buddha.
Hajipur is a small village situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 10 km from the capital city of Patna. In the ancient time, it was known as Ukkacala and was the first village to come after crossing River Ganga at Patna.
Indasala Cave is situated near Rajgir in the state of Bihar. It lies at the base of a sharp cliff, halfway up the side of Giriyek Mountain. On the top of the mountain stands the Hansa Stupa. The Hansa Stupa holds the distinction of being the most complete stupa in India, till date.
Jethian is a small village situated near Rajgir town of Bihar, India. In the ancient time, it used to be known as Lativana, or the Palm Grove. In 7th century AD Jethian also served as the seat of influence of Jayasena, the famous saint.
Kesaria Stupa is situated in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 110 km from the capital city of Patna. The Kesaria Stupa holds the distinction of being the largest in the world, standing at a height of 104 ft.
Kurkihar is a small village situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 22 km from the Gaya district. This large mound over which this village lies consists of the remains of a very old Buddhist Monastery.
Lauriya Nandangarh is situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 22 km from the district of Bettiah. Lauriya Nandangarh boasts of housing the Ashokan pillar, comprising of the six Ashokan Edicts.
Nalanda is situated in the state of Bihar. Founded in the 5th century AD, it lies at a distance of approximately 90 km from the capital city of Patna. Nalanda had the honor of being visited by Lord Buddha a number of times, in His lifetime.
Patna is the capital of the state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. In the ancient, the city was known by the name of Pataliputra. Patna has the fortuity of being visited by Lord Buddha, when he had to cross the mighty river on his last journey to Kushinagar.
Pragbodhi Mountain is situated near Gaya district in the state of Bihar. The name Pragbodhi literally means 'Prior to Enlightenment'. The mountain derives its name from the sojourn of Prince Siddhartha here, before he received enlightenment.
Rajgir is situated in the state of Bihar, encircled by five holy hills. It lies at a distance of approximately 34 km from the city of Gaya. The name of the town has been derived from the words 'Raj Griha', meaning 'the abode of the king'. During the lifetime of Lord Buddha, Rajgir served as the capital city of the Magadh Empire.
Vaishali district is situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 60 km from the capital city of Patna. The place gains significance from the fact that it is here that Lord Buddha announced the imminence of his Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali also witnessed one of the eight great events in the life of Lord Buddha.
Vikramsila is a town situated in the state of Bihar, India. It lies at a distance of approximately 40 km from the city of Bhagalpur. One of the popular Buddhist destinations in India, Vikramshila cannot boast of a direct relation with Lord Buddha. It is mainly renowned for being one of the most significant centers of Tantric Buddhism, in the 8th century AD.Maha Bodhi Temple, Bihar
The Temple. Lord Gautam Buddha, when tried unsuccessfully all major means to dip deep in the reality of life, reached Bodh Gaya, denounced asceticism and attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. After His mahaparinirvana, all the major sites related to the Buddha's life including Bodh Gaya became pilgrimages for the Buddhists around the world. The Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India is one of those four foremost sites venerated by the Buddhists as it still reveres the Buddha's enlightenment. It was here that Siddhartha realised the 'Middle Way', which subsequently became the centre of His teachings.
The Maha Bodhi temple is administered by the Hindus and the Buddhist council jointly as the Hindus also consider the Buddha as a reincarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Therefore, the combined contribution of both the sects presents the core of the vivid Indian culture in form of unity.
The Temples Architecture
The Maha Bodhi temple, which dates back from the 3rd century BCE till the modern times, is one of the few early monumental brick structures to have survived in the north-eastern India. Marked by a 52 meter tall dome and a large gilded Buddha's statue next to the Bodhi Tree, the temple presents a unique architectural style.
The Maha Bodhi temple is believed to have been built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE in honour of the Buddha. The walls inside the temple are decorated with friezes depicting the Buddha's life. There is a raised walkway, known as the Chankramana Chaitya or the Jewel Path (where the Buddha meditated and walked), which is situated alongside the northern wall of the temple. Besides, there is a lotus pond along the temple, which is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha performed his ablutions.
The temple has a 52 meter dome or central tower, which was renovated in the 19th century CE. The dome consists of several horizontal bands of mouldings and arch motifs, which further extend upward to an 'amalaka' with its top in umbrella-shaped forms, very much similar to those found in the early Buddhist stupas. Further, there are four similar smaller towers around the central tower, which were added to the main structure in the 19th century CE. Towards the west of the temple lies the Bodhi tree, under which the Siddhartha Gautama had achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha.
The Maha Bodhi temple was renovated and extensively built in the 19th century CE, but still it did not lose its originality and remained in the same format as it was built, facing towards the east.
Today, the Maha Bodhi temple is a site sacred for every Buddhist, particularly of the Theravadins, who have copied the original structure while constructing the temples in Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar.
Location and Accessibility
The Maha Bodhi temple is situated at Bodh Gaya, in the southern Bihar, India. Bodh Gaya is at a distance of 100 Kilometers from Patna, the capital of Bihar. By airways, it is connected directly to Colombo and Bangkok. Bodh Gaya can be reached by rail, road or air conveniently. Gaya has an important railway station with services from many parts of India. Gaya and Bodh Gaya, both are well connected by roadways to other major cities such as Patna, the state capital of Bihar and Ranchi, the state capital of Jharkhand. Bodh Gaya is connected to Gaya by regular and frequent transport services and can easily be reached within half an hour or so, as it is just 12 kilometers away. Gaya, 12 kilometers away from Bodh Gaya, is the main access station to reach Bodh Gaya.
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