Lord Buddha, the Enlightened or the Awakened One, spent a greater part of his life in the eastern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. He was born in Uttar Pradesh, at Kapilvastu. He breathed his last in the same state, at Kushinagar. No wonder, Uttar Pradesh has several Buddhist spots that inspire those on the trail of the Lord Buddha.
Kapilvastu
The most important Buddhist spot in Uttar Pradesh, Kapilvastu's claim to fame rests on the fact that Lord Buddha was born here (Lumbini in Nepal, the exact place where Buddha was born, is only 27 km away from here). His father was Shuddhodana, the then King of the Shakya Kingdom. It was at Kapilvastu, the capital of the Shakya Kingdom, that Buddha witnessed sorrow, pain, disease, death and the radiant happy sadhu who eventually shaped his life and gave a new meaning to his earthy existence. Presently, Kapilvastu has several stupas and stone caskets with relics believed to be of Lord Buddha.
Sarnath
Another prominent Buddhist spot and a great pilgrimage centre in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is just eight kilometers away from Varanasi and is much famous as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, which is called Dharamachakra Pravartan, after attaining nirvana or enlightenment. This well-known Buddhist spot has many stupas, monasteries, and Ashokan Column (Dhamekh Stupa and Dharmarajika Stupa). Sarnath is also famous as the place where the renowned Buddhist line "Buddham Saranam Gacchami" originated.
Kaushambi
Formerly the capital of the Vatsa Janpada, Kaushambi was famous as an excellent Centre of Buddhist Learning. Buddha spent two rainy seasons here (the sixth and the ninth year) after he got enlightenment. Kaushambi is located 54 km away from Allahabad.
Prabhosa
Located one kilometer away from Kaushambi,
Prabhosa--earlier called Mankula--was the sixth rain retreat of Lord Buddha after he got nirvana or enlightenment. The famous Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang visited Prabhosa in the seventh century AD and mentioned the existence of a stupa built by Ashoka, the Great Mauryan Emperor.
Sravasti
Formerly the capital of the Kosala Mahajanpada, Sravasti has the distinction of being host to Lord Buddha for 24 rainy seasons. Buddha performed many miracles here. Sravasti boasts of several age old stupas and majestic monasteries that much attract the visitors. However, the pride of Sravasti is the Anand Bodhi Tree believed to be planted by Anand, the favorite disciple of the Lord Buddha.
Kusinagar
One of the most attractive Buddhist destinations of India, and a great pilgrimage centre, Kusinagar is much renowned as the place where the Tathagata, i.e., Lord Buddha, breathed his last at the age of 80. Presently, the site has a wonderful statue of Lord Buddha, in a reclining position, in the Mahaparinirvana Temple. The statue was brought from Mathura.
