Visit Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage and Shravasti, two places integral to Buddhism

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train takes you on delightful Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage covering all the tourist attractions which are closely associated with Buddhism. Buddhist teachings and principles had a major impact on the people of Sarnath and that of the world as they took an instant liking to its doctrines. “Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage” takes you to the marvel of architecture that is Dhamek Stupa.

Dhamek Stupa has a distinct architectural pattern and is a cylindrical tower that is 43.6 m high and 28 m in diameter. The massive structure is built entirely of bricks and stone. The lower portion of the stupa is covered in stones that are chiseled with intricate floral carvings. Around the borders of the stupa are detailed figures of humans and birds. There are arched niches in the monument which once held Lord Buddha’s statues.

This is not all as Dhamek Stupa has a broadband of Swastikas which were carved in various geometrical patterns with a chiseled lotus wreath running over and below the carvings. Moreover, the large size of the current stupa was not always this as the stupa has been expanded and enlarged as much as 12 times in the course of history.

Shravasti, on the other hand, is the place where Lord Buddha spent 24 Chaturmasya with the place also serving as the religious center for Jains and Buddhists. It is home to remarkable Buddhist places like Jetavana Monastery, Pakki Kutti, and Sachet Mahet. Places that passengers will cover during Shravasti Buddhist Tour are:-

Jetavana Monastery

Jetavana Monastery was a crucial part of Lord Buddha’s life as he passed 19 of 45 Vasya’s here. It has small stupas, Buddha’s hut Gandhakuti and Anandabodhi tree for meditation respecting and preserving Buddhist pilgrimage in India.

Pakki Kutti

Pakki Kutti or Angulimala’s stupa is an excavation site where idols and inscriptions of the Buddhist period can be found. Lord Buddha calmed the local dacoit Angulimala on his journey when he taught him that violence is wrong. The dacoit learned how wrong his conduct was and quickly accepted Buddhism to correct his behavior. This makes it one of the must-see Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India as most of us seek redemption from time to time.

Sahet Mahet

She and Mahet are separated by half a kilometer. Sahet has the foundations and bases of statues as the idols have been restored in a museum. Mahet, on the other hand, has the remains of the massive gates Buddhists built to protect their town from attacks.

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train or Mahaparinirvan Express has been in operation for the past 10 years. Initially started with Rajdhani coaches the deluxe train now comprises of 12 state of the art LHB coaches, 4 first AC coaches, 2 second AC coaches, 1 kitchen car, 2 Dining Cars, 1 staff car and 2 power cars. The train is equipped with a range of amenities like individual lockers for safe storage, showers with geysers, mini-library for reading, foot massagers and newly installed single sofa seats for panoramic views.

The train has a well-crafted itinerary which offers tourists the exclusive option of covering only three tours out of 8 if they don’t have much time and don’t want to book the train for the entire journey. Passengers can opt for Bodhgaya Buddhist tour, Lumbini Buddhist tour, Kushinagar Buddhist tour, Shravasti Buddha tour, Varanasi Buddhist tour, Rajgir Buddhist tour, “Sarnath Buddhist Pilgrimage” and Nalanda Buddhist tour. For more details, visit www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com