Rail Budget 2014 Introduces Special Tourist Buddhist Circuit Train

Indian Railways is the most used mode of transportation in the country. Every single day, the trains carry over 23 million passengers and connect more than 7172 stations over its 12617 functional trains. These facts define the massive scale of Indians railways. During the Rail Budget 2014 presentation, various plans and innovative schemes were announced to develop the railways of India.

Considering the importance of railways in the daily life of India, Hon’ble Minister of Railways has proposed important steps towards their progress and development in his maiden budget. The big step of this development is the launch of high speed trains, a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and introduction of more tourist trains.

The special tourist trains however are of great importance from tourism point of view. Not only they connect the destinations and strengthen their connectivity from prominent locations, but they will also encourage tourists to travel on new Indian trains.

Under this scheme, the Railways Minister is planning to introduce special train tour packages for different pilgrim circuits. Just like India’s collage of many religions, the special packaged trains will run on identified pilgrim circuits. Say for Lord Shiva followers, the railways is planning to offer Jyotirling Circuit. Jain followers can do pan-India tour through the important shrines, etc.

Same is the case where Hon’ble Railway Minister proposed to popularize Buddhist Circuit with a special packaged train tour. This is a new initiative that will surely help millions of Buddhist devotees to pay respects to the land of Lord Buddha in India. There are numerous sites and locations in the country where Buddha – The Awakened himself stayed, travelled, preached sermons, performed miracles, etc.

Such sites are holy in the eyes of every Buddhist and a visit here brings merit to the devotees. This is the reason why millions of visitors begin their Buddhist-Pilgrimage and take inspiration from the Lord himself with a Buddhist Circuit Tour. The new launch of special Buddhist Circuit package train will not only strengthen the connectivity between the Buddhist regions of India, but will also consolidate the entire circuit in a single journey over rail. This is definitely a great initiative that is being welcomed by the Buddhist community in India and the world over.

But, this is not the first time where special Buddhist circuit train is being introduced in India. The premier Buddhist Train, Mahaparinirvan Express was launched seven years ago on March 28, 2007 to give pilgrims a great opportunity to travel through Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Kushinagar and Lumbini.

Since its launch, the train has catered to millions of tourists from different countries of the world during their Buddhist-Pilgrimage. Needless to know, this train has brought together like-minded people on a same platform of exploring Buddhist destinations. During this, the pilgrims gain the merit of completing the journey of a lifetime comfortably over the period of eight days. You can also book a special Buddhist-Train Tour during September 2014 - March 2015 easily. All these options are given to the pilgrims so that they can fulfill their spiritual quest of life and visit the sites important to Buddha’s life.

Kushinagar Tour – Where Buddha Attained Complete Salvation

All material things are impermanent in nature, including mortal body as well. Shedding this body and freeing the soul from the cycle of life and death is the ultimate reality. All the spiritual leaders understand this ultimate truth of life and sacrifice all material wealth and comfort to work towards the great achievement of life, i.e. enlightenment and moksha.

Buddha also understood the same and worked towards the prime goal of life, i.e. to live an enlightened life and finally find the ideal way to release the soul. Whole life, he traversed through the dusty plains of the Ganga Valley and collected alms for sustenance. He lived his monastic life in simplicity and waited for the right time to come for his final exit from earth. The master declared his final Mahaparinirvana at Vaishali during a sermon on the impermanence of all living things and that his own life on earth was soon to end.

For this event of life, he chose ideal location for this purpose was Kushinagar in Eastern India. Located on the banks of Hiranyavati river, the destination was the place where under the Sal tree Buddha attained final release from the cycle of births and deaths.

After six days of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana, his mortal remains, bedecked with garlands were taken in a procession towards the location which is now known as Ramabhar Stupa in Kushinagar. Also known as Mukutabandha Vihara, this brick stupa was the place where lord’s funeral took place.

Later, a war ensued between the claimers of Buddha’s mortal ashes. Eight powers of North India asserted their right for the possession of the holy relics. Finally, the monks took that issue to nearby meditating sage Dona who divided the ashes into eight parts which are even now encased in the country’s eight stupas.

The Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar is also reminiscent of Buddha’s final days. Here, a 6 m long statue of Buddha in reclining Parinirvana posture is the subject of great devotion in Kushinagar. Carved on black stone, the statue gives metallic gold looks because of the gold foil offerings by devotees.

Tourists on the Buddhist Train special tour package are transferred to this third premier Buddhist pilgrimage site, i.e. Kushinagar to experience the ultimate reality of life on this blissful land. On this special Buddhist train, the pilgrims get a rich experience to travel through all of the important sites in the Buddha’s life. Tourists and pilgrims can also opt for independent Kushinagar tour from reliable Buddhist tour operators as well. 

Varanasi Tour – The Land Where Ganges Flows

Though Varanasi is perceived by the Buddhist train passengers as a stopover point to visit the second important Pilgrimage Site, Sarnath, the location in itself is a spiritual attraction of India. Famous as one of the oldest continuing inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi has a unique spiritual connect that makes it a favoured pilgrimage attraction of India. The city, located on the western banks of the revered River Ganges in the state of Uttar Pradesh is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage location.

Known by many names like Kashi, Banaras or Benaras, the city offers the rich cultural and ritualistic glimpses of real India. Considered the most sacred by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, the city annually invites more than 1,000,000 pilgrims. It even finds mention in the epics of India, i.e. Ramayana and Mahabharata.

All the rituals in the city center on its ghats. The city has nearly 100 ghats, each of which caters to the specific purpose. Most of them are used to take holy dips in the pure and sacred Ganges, perform various rituals and worship the river. The bustling around the riverfronts begins in the early morning and continues till late evening. The center of attraction surely is the lifeline of India, the river Ganges. Tourists prefer early morning visits to the ghats of Varanasi to observe the devotees engaged in offering prayers and performing rituals.

Another aspect of Benaras that mystifies the tourist is the ritual of cremation performed at the Manikarnika Ghat. It is often believed that cremation in Varanasi releases the soul from the cycles of its transmigrations. This is the main reason why continuously the cremations are carried out on this ghat.

The evening Aarti or worship of River Ganges included in the Buddhist Circuit Train Tour is again a spectacular sight for tourists. In the evening, tourists are given special boat ride on the mighty river and even given the privilege of engaging the mind, body and soul in the devotional aarti ritual. This is a norm of Varanasi where visitors feel enthralled with the magnificence and spiritual upliftment with the chants and rituals.

Participating in this majestic celebration of the presence of River Ganges is one of the must visit experiences in Varanasi city. The eternally spiritual can also be visited during a Mahaparinirvan Express – Buddhist Train Tour on the fourth day of the itinerary.

Sarnath – Subdued in Spirituality

Sarnath holds importance in the Buddhist train pilgrimage as the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon. It is the second of the four pilgrimage sites that come during this special train tour. Located 10 km away from Varanasi, Sarnath is always subdued with rich Buddhist essence. The deer here still roam and the pious location where Buddha met his ascetic companions and gave his first sermon is marked by the stupas. The evocative ruins at Sarnath are popular not just among Buddhists but also catch attention of tourists who wish to know and understand Indian culture.

After walking for over 250 kms, Lord Buddha took a ferry on River Ganges to reach the Ghats of Kashi or Varanasi in search of his five meditation companions. Prior to enlightenment, these five sages abandoned Buddha at Rajgir when Gautama left the path of self mortification. The Buddha found the five ascetics at deer park or Issipattna who came to meditate here under its shady trees.

The enlightened one, after meeting the old companions told them about his enlightenment, the four noble truths, Eightfold Path and the Middle Way. All this comprised Buddha’s first sermon or Dharmachakrapravartana. Here, Buddha turned the wheel of law and initiated Buddhism. Later, the Buddha with his followers sought respite during rainy retreats in Sarnath.

Dhamekh Stupa, the most important site in Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. It is a solid cylindrical stupa based on brickwork technique. There are many delicately carved geometrical and floral patterns that are carved on the borders that lend it a distinct identify than other stupas.

In later years of history, Sarnath saw patronship of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The famous king installed Ashoka Pillar and its famous Lion Capital what later became famous as the national emblem in Indian history. The original specimen with four adjoining lions standing and looking in four different directions is still kept preserved within the Archaeological Museum of India in Sarnath.

Sarnath has kept the vestiges of Buddhist heritage with itself and is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The site is accredited for the initiation of Buddhism and presents an opportunity to experience the spiritual essence of Buddha. 

Rajgir – A Pious Buddhist Heritage Site

Eighty kilometres northeast of Bodhgaya, the serene small town of Rajgir surrounded by five hills rests in serenity and meditative calm. Located in Nalanda district, Rajgir or ancient Rajgriha provided the meditating backdrop for many philosophical saints and leaders. The renowned saints who experienced the calm and serenity here include Siddhartha Gautama Buddha and Mahavira. Both the thought leaders also gave here many teachings and preached millions.

Historically, Rajgir was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha. After the conquest of Magadha Empire by Chandragupta Maurya, the status of capital hood was given to Patliputra. But that didn’t take away the spiritual heritage of Rajgir which was the primary hub of Buddhism and Jainism. It was even a favourite meditating retreat of Buddha as scriptures suggest this fact.

The ancient connection of Rajgir can also be testified with the excavation of ceramics dating to about 1000 BC. Other than that, there are many landmark attractions that permeate the spiritual attractions in Rajgir. Prominent among them is Griddhakutta or Vulture Peak Mountain. Situated at an altitude of 400 m, this vulture shaped mountain witnessed many of Lord Buddha’s teachings. According to beliefs, Lord Buddha even lived here for several years as well as preached the Lotus Sutra to ordain the Mauryan King Bimbisara.

Also, here Lord set the second wheel of law in motion. To commemorate this Buddhist spirit of Rajgir, some Japanese Buddhists even built a peace pagoda called Shanti Stupa. Even the well known "Atanatiya" conference was held here. Tourists can reach Griddhakuta via Aerial Chair Lift and cherish the sylvan surroundings.

Other attractions at Rajgir include the Saptaparni Caves, where the first Buddhist Council after the Mahaparinirvan of Lord Buddha took place. Along with the religious significance, this pleasant town is also famous as a health destination due to curative hot springs which origin from within the cave. Jain attractions during Rajgir Tour include trekking to the top of the hill and visit 26 Jain shrines.

With all this and much more, a visit to this spiritual town is an enriching way to experience the blessings of Lord Buddha herein.

Bodhgaya – An Epitome of Buddhist Devotion

Devotees try to find ways to express their devotion. They abstain from comforts, perform chants and ceremonies and dedicate their lives to the lord. Recently 200 Thai devotees along with their king, HH Bhumibol Atulya donated 300 kg of gold to beautify the dome of Bodh Gaya's 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi temple. The holiest shrine of Buddhism, the Great Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is receiving a gold inlay on the dome. The fine task is being carried out under the team guidance of technical experts from Thailand and ASI officials.

The gold was brought safely from Bangkok to Bodhgaya on a chartered plane. Followed by this, the devotees performed prayers within the temple premises and meditated under the Bodhi Tree. This act of devotion towards the spiritual center of Buddhist faith has drawn a lot of appreciation from the world over. This initiative from the Thai Buddhist followers have certainly beautified the temple and gave it a new look after it was inlaid with gold.

Mr. Sumit Mathur, Director of Top-Travel and Tours appreciated this initiative from Thai Buddhist followers. According to him, "This new, gold plated spire would doubtless attract more Buddhists to the temple.”

Buddhist Train too welcomes this initiative of Thai Buddhists and expresses their gratitude towards their holy act of devotion. Offering only train travel to the Buddhist followers and travellers in India, the company is also dedicated to welcome the visitors from the world over to the spiritual site of Bodhgaya after gold inlay. 

Nalanda – The Glorious Buddhist Train Destination

After Bodhgaya, the next destination on the Buddhist train Mahaparinirvan Express itinerary follows the daytime excursions to Nalanda and Rajgir. The twin attractions near Bodhgaya offer a rich glimpse to the world around the time of Lord Buddha. Nalanda in particular was one of the ancient world’s first universities and a center for higher learning in the north eastern region of India. Active since 5^th century, this glorious university inculcated the knowledge actively to the learners for the next seven centuries. It taught multidisciplinary subjects ranging from Buddhist studies, fine arts, medicine, theology, mathematics, physics, astronomy, politics and the art of war.

In the Buddhist world, this prestigious university is also termed as the Buddhist institution imparting knowledge to over 5,000 international students and featuring a library of nine million manuscripts. It also played an important role in the spread of Buddhism. In its heydays, the legendary Buddhist traveller, Hiuen Tsang also studied here and taught here for 5 years in the 7th Century A.D. Nalanda at that time had over 10,000 students and 3,000 teachers.

Structurally as well, the university had quite a unique and channelized arrangement. The center had eight separate complexes, 10 temples, meditation halls, classrooms, dormitories, library, lakes and parks. The nine-story library here had some rare and celebrated manuscripts. The dormitories or monasteries here hosted thousands of students, which was again the first for an educational institution. The university imparted education to the students not only from India, but also from Korea, Japan, China, Tibet, Indonesia, Persia and Turkey.

But this illustrious period came to a halt in the beginning of the 12th Century when the Afghan invader Bakhtiyar Khalji sacked the university and brought it to ruins. He looted the wealth, but couldn’t take away the heritage of Nalanda. The ruins here are evocative of the serene monastic and temple wealth that is inherent with the learning and meditation here.

In 1860's, the great archeologist Alexander Cunningham identified the ruins as the glorious university of Nalanda and in 1915-1916 the Archeological Survey of India began excavations of the site. The present day ruins are a result of that excavation and it is still believed that much of the ruins are beneath existing villages and are unlikely to be revealed. The present site is well-maintained and very pleasant to visit.

Nalanda Tour is followed by the Buddhist pilgrims and travellers with an inquisitive mind for a sneak-peek towards the rich educational wealth of India. For a Buddhist train traveller, this excursion is an enlightening way to find out about the center for Buddhist learning in ancient India.