Ananda Bhavan, Allahabad

056/366 Ananda Bhavan, Allahabad

November 14th is celebrated as 'Children's day', in rememberance of "Chacha" Jawaharlal Nehru.

Last year, I happened to see "Anand Bhavan", bought & renovated by Motilal Nehru, in which Jawaharlal Nehru & Indira Gandhi spent their childhood days. Motilal Nehru supposedly spent considerable amount of money to renovate this place.

Indira Gandhi, turned Anand Bhavan into museum in remembrance of Indian Independence related activities and renamed it as "Swaraj Bhavan". Since the day I visited was holiday, I did not have opportunity to see inside.

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

Saaketh - Birthplace of Lord

041/366 Saaketh - Birthplace of Lord

This Hindu religios city, which is very famous for Lord Rama's birth looks very ancient even now. City located in the banks of River Sarayu chants Rama all the time. Even in current modern times, citizens of here of all ages watch Ramayana, which was televised by Ramanand Sagar!
It was surprising to see small kids glued to TVs running Ramayana.
Most people seem to earn bread in the name of Lord Rama here till date.

This heritage city, which was capital of Raghu Vamsa, unfortunately has not caught up in development(true for many UP towns). Most buildings still look very old. Apart from Rama Janmbhoomi, other heritage places to visit are Dasharath Mandir & Kanak Mandir.

PS: Saaketh is ancient name for Ayodhya. Lord Rama is known as "Saaketha Raja".