LALITGIRI - The Pilgrimage from Ancient History!
Flourished under the patronage of legendary king Ashoka, the kingdoms of
Magadh and Kalinga became important centers from where Buddhism spread to the
outside world. Present day areas of Bihar-Jharkhand used to be the kingdom of
Magadh and parts of Odisha-Andhra Pradesh composed Kalinga kingdom. At their
peak these places were often referred as most prosperous regions on the earth
and were full of amazing temples and universities imparting ancient Indian
knowledge. However, with passage of time dust accumulated on these sites and
these places gradually faded out from the eye of common people. In fact, many
got buried with layers of earth and since then have been waiting to get
resurfaced in future.
With the development coming to these areas, many of these extinct places are coming to life. One of the such places I came to know during one of my visits to this part with lots and lots of things to discover was Lalitgiri. Lalitgiri is situated at a distance of 10 km. beyond the River Virupa in Cuttack district, about 90 km. from Bhubaneswar which is the capital of Odisha state. Excavations in this region have indicated towards existence of very ancient Buddhist complex. With the discovery of Lalitgiri, and stitching together the chronology of event with iconographical similarities, the timeline of Lalitgiri goes back to the 2nd century BC. Based on this, Lalitgiri can be safely considered as one of the most ancient Buddhist establishments. So, I was about to walk into one of the lost chapters in our history, with due excitement.
Bodhgaya - Where Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment...
Long
back a boy got so much disturbed on seeing the people suffering in the vicious
cycle of life and death. One fine day he left his house in search of divine
knowledge which can provide freedom from the cycle of life and death. The name
of the boy was prince Siddhartha. He travelled relentlessly across places in
search of that knowledge. Finally, he decided to sit in deep meditation to
attain that wisdom under a tree. Legend says the demons of darkness, illusion
and ignorance were unleashed onto him, but his wisdom conquered all the
devilish forces. By now prince Siddharth had become “Lord Buddha”, meaning the
Enlightened one. And the place where he attained the enlightenment was
Bodhgaya.
Far
from the eyes of the popular travel itineraries lies the town of Bodhgaya, the
most revered destination for Buddhists worldwide. Mahabodhi temple complex
is the spot where Buddha had attained enlightenment. It is one of the earliest
built Buddhist temples, still standing.
References found shows that the temple was initially built by king Ashoka around 246 BC and was further revamped in 5th -6th century during reign of Gupta dynasty. The main temple is 50 m. high structure built entirely in brick is a classic example of ancient Indian architecture.
Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex...
Apart from the
beaches, ports, steel plant and refinery the place Vizag has been once a flourishing centre for
Buddhist culture. It was a surprise for me too till I actually reached this
place called “Thotlakonda Caves”. As I always say Travellers never
think of themselves as foreigners, whatever time I could have managed from my
schedule I stepped out to relish the soothing ambience at Thotlakonda.
It is believed that Vizag had been once a part of legendary Kalinga Empire and Buddhism flourished here under the patronage of rulers of Kalinga. The place must have been flourishing centre around 200 BC - 200 AD.
Dehradun - Blended in culture of city and hills
Capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is a small,
charming city that is known for its scenic surroundings, acclaimed educational
institutes, cool environment and lots of interesting attractions to explore.
Such is the location of Dehradun that one can enjoy the journey either via Haridwar/Rishikesh or via Nahan. If you are coming via Nahan then enjoy a number of spots in the way too. First one being citrus fruits' orchards at Dhaula Kuan (58 km. from Nahan).
Gurudwara serves 24 hrs. langar (free kitchen) to
everyone. Though it is not necessary, but if possible "Do
contribute something to support this divine initiative" by the
Gurudwara. Pray for a few moments here and continue the journey to
Dehradun.
Another 27 km. straight drive will take you to barrage at Dakpatthar. This is slightly (5-6 km.) off the track from Dehradun. Continue straight from Herbertpur crossing, right turn will take you to Dehradun. Thanks to my special friend, I got to enjoy such a lovely point.
Coming back from Nahan, a brief stopover at Dehradun is both wise and refreshing. Dehradun is a little town that boasts of hustle-bustle of a city with some quiet and calming corners.
First in line was Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. The legend has it that this place was often used by the gods and saints for offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Guru Dronacharya, after many years of worship, too got the gift of the archery knowledge by Lord Shiva. The knowledge was later transferred on to Arjun, the greatest archer that ever lived and ever would live.The huge temple premises looks like a small tour of Gods’ land. It starts with Lord Shiva’s temple, the cave where gods and saints prayed for years. It daily attracts a large number of devotees who worship numerous forms, statues or shivalings that represent Lord Shiva.
The reach to the small sanctum sanctorum of Vaishno Devi temple, through the small cave route, is both spiritualistic and thrilling.
Next is Japanese Temple or Buddha temple for a similar soul-satisfying experience. This is an important of Dehradun and is widely acclaimed for its impressive architecture, beautiful interiors and pleasing surroundings.
The main stupa of the temple, about 220 feet in height, is built as a replica of Mindrolling monastery, Tibet. It is claimed to be the largest reliquary in Asia.
Stupa with company of adjacent structures, craft its own identity and
presents a magnificent skyline to Dehradun.
From the towering Lord Buddha statue, giant stupa, calm
praying halls to little monks showcasing some brilliant football skills, the
place seems like without any worldly trouble. Watching monks play football is
something which no one should afford to miss. You can also join them and
hone up your football skills. Free accommodation, clothing, food, and
other facilities are provided by the Buddha Temple authorities
to around 500 monks who live here and study.
The colourful gardens, full of various types of roses,
other flowers, plants and lush-green trees add to the place’s decor and
peace. The shops and temple garden are open for the public seven days a
week. However, the interior of the temple remains open only on Sundays.
Too much of spirituality lets now proceed to some cave exploration at the much acclaimed – Sahastradhara, around 11 km from the city of Dehradun. The earlier generation tells you tales of these mountains squirting out water streams in all their resplendence. However, the scene is not as stunning, but still too beautiful. However, the cool water, slowly trickling down the mountains around you makes your journey fulfilling.
Take a dip or just sit on the huge rocks with your feet in water or better
still do some casual climbing to discover a your very own hidden pool or some
historic cave. Once there, do not forget to try something from the small
eateries. Pick your favourite from hot and crispy pakoras, vegetable maggi or
mouth-watering aloo tikki.
And you can end your brief meeting with this small town
amid its main market, bustling with energy. Just a few moments away from its
new-age cafeterias, bakeries, restaurants, and shopping centres, is the old
market near the clock tower. A look at that age-old clock tower and any Ruskin
Bond fan would immediately identify with his many characters’ experiences and
stories. It is perhaps the lanes of this market only that his famous character
– Rusty – ran down with his local friends to savour local sweets and
delicacies.
The market not only is a treasure trove for souvenirs,
junk jewellery and local handicrafts, it also houses decade-old eating joints
serving the flavours from across the country in authentic style.
Even if for a day or two, the time spent here would make for lifetime memories.
Way to Explore: Nahan –
Dhaula Kuan (58 Km.) – Poanta Sahib (17 km.) – Dakpatthar (27 km.) – Dehradun
(40 Km.)
Happy travelling Friends...
Sarnath - Where Lord Buddha first preached...
Lord Buddha too started his journey from this place. After Lord Buddha has attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya he came to "Sarnath", located 10 kms. from Varanasi. This was the fortunate place where Lord Buddha gave the first teachings of what enlightened the world as "Buddhism".
On reaching Sarnath, the first monument to come our way is the CHAUKHANDI STUPA. Stupa is a huge mound of brick-work whose square edifice is surrounded by an octagonal tower. What a gigantic structure this is...? Construction of such a huge structure with only brick work might not get approval in present times:
Buddhists worldwide look upon India as the land of the Buddha and a visit to this country means a pilgrimage to those places sacred to the memory of the Enlightened One. Sarnath along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya and Kushinagar is amongst the four cities declared sacred by Buddha to his followers. While we were appreciating the peaceful environment here, we found ourselves at the doors of celebrated "Sarnath Temple"
The walls of this temple are decorated by life paintings of Lord Buddha.
Lord Buddha is reforming a notorious savage:
This place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon was and still is a Deer Park. In the language of religions, Lord Buddha set in motion the wheel of Law (maha- Dharmachakra Pravartan).
Let’s share the session of Lord Buddha teachings underneath the same tree, which has been the witness of that great session.
Actual place where Lord Buddha gave his first teachings |
Adjacent to the Dhamekh Stupa is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The top of the main chamber where statue of Lord Mahavira rests is in scripted by a basic reality of life:
Walkover to the back side of the temple and Dhamek Stupa to the Deer park and enjoy:
And deers too..
Sarnath is also sacred to the Jainism as Sarnath is looked as the site of asceticism and death of Sreyansantha the 11th Trithankara. Opposite to this temple is a park dedicated to Lord Mahavira:
Not to forget an exquisite museum dedicated to Lord Buddha, is the oldest site museum by Archaeological survey of India displays grand panorama of Buddhist cultural wealth and the antiques ranging from 3rd Century B.C. - 12th Century A.D. found at Sarnath.
Since photography is "strictly" prohibited inside the temple premises, so I had to content myself with only a picture of the museum building from outside. Some of the notable antiques/ statues are: Abacus, Giant Umbrella, Terracota figurines and Lord Shiva killing demon Andhak; all the antiques are dated around 1st century AD.
The Modern name Sarnath seems to be a contraction of Saraganatha (Lord of deer). Sarnath is an exceedingly tranquil place giving the universal message of peace and harmony to the entire World. With a peaceful mind and a contented soul it was the time to return to Varanasi, however while humming within ourselves:
Sangham saranam gacchami (संघम शरणम् गच्छामि) : I go to the Sangha for refuge
Let’s pledge to keep this earth a beautiful place with peaceful co-existence of every soul and form of life, because a life lived for others is truly a life lived.
Jogey Temple, Seoul


One fine afternoon, we decided to offer prayers at the temple. Within 5 minutes we were in the temple. The magnificent Buddha statue is excellent par anything. The beautifully decorated rooftops and prayer singers present a marvelous panorama.
Rightly said, Praying to GOD does not require words – Prayer is conveyed by sentiments.