Saranath - Buddha's first sermon

042/366 Saranath - Buddha's first sermon

Saranath, located just 10km away from Varanasi is considered to be very important place in Buddhist trail.

Here in this place, Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon in deer park.
In religious language, he set in motion the Wheel of Law ("Maha Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta" in Pali Language or "Maha-Dharmachakra Pravartan Sutra" in Sanskrit).

Saranath is said to be origin of shloka 'Buddham sharanam gacchami'.
Emperor Ashoka visited this place around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here.
Tallest Stupa seen in pic is 'Dhamek Stupa' is said to be built in 500 CE to replace an earlier structure
commissioned by the great Mauryan king Ashoka in 249 BCE, along with several other monuments, to commemorate the Buddha's activities in this location.

This place is also famous for Ashoka Pillar, which has Indian National Emblem (4 lions standing back to back).
But original pillar broke off over the period but this sculpture is still preserved in Saranath museum.

This museum contains many beautiful sculptures/artifacts.

Saranath is referred with various names in history namely Mrigadava, Migadāya, Rishipattana, Isipatana.

More info:
http://www.spiritualjourneys.net/Venues/sarnath.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarnath
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhamekh_Stupa

World Famous University - Nalanda

037/366
I got goose bumps when I visited this world famous university! It is probably 1500 years old, at least!.
Now, you might be wondering which place is this. It is Nalanda University (pronounced as Naalanda locally).

It is said that, Nalanda was in its prime during Lord Buddha’s time frame (5th-6th Century BC).
Jain scripts mention Vardhamana Mahavira, spent many years here. But archaeologists are able to find proofs only up to Gupta period(5th century AD).http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Renowned Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang had visited this place and notes that, Nalanda University housed around 10000 students and 2000 teachers. Courses included Medicine, Logic, Grammar, Vedas & Buddhism. It is said that, total of 108 blocks were present here, but only 11 have been found during excavation.
Mohammed Bhaktiar Khilji in 12th century AD is said to have burnt & destroyed this world famous place, which was already in its decline at that point of time during Muslim invasion.

Picture depicts Main Temple & Stupa, Nalanda, which is 75km from Patna, Bihar.

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda

Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu

This beautiful Stupa(Place of worship for Buddhist) was built in the beginning of 5th Century AD by King Maana Deva(464-505AD).

Lord Buddha's eyes(known as Wisdom eyes) are painted in all four directions on a cubical structure placed above the dome, symbolizes omniscience(all-seeing), below which Nepali number "1" is painted representing Unity.

According to Swayambhu Purana, the entire valley was once filled with an enormous lake, out of which grew a lotus. The valley came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning "Self-Created." The name comes from an eternal self-existent flame (swayambhu) over which a sūpa was later built.

Legend says that this lovely place was also visited by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BC and built a temple in same place, which was later destroyed.
Although the site is considered Buddhist, the place is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Numerous king Hindu followers are known to have paid their homage to the temple, including Pratap Malla, the powerful king of Kathmandu.

Another photo from this place is here, which speaks about "Mani Wheels" of Buddhism...this is another favorite photo of mine..

For more info