All of us need some kind of belief system or a way of life which holds us in good stead. Buddhism is one such path with which the methods of practice and spiritual development provides valuable insights into the nature of reality. Meditation allows you to develop qualities of kindness, awareness and wisdom. Followers of Buddhism are able to end the pain and suffering of life by living their life in accordance with the enlightening vision of true peace attainment. One of the main reasons why Buddhism appeals to masses is because the basic tenets of Buddhism are unlike that of any religion i.e. nothing is fixed and permanent as actions have consequences and change is possible.
Two of the most important stupas among Buddhists are the Parinirvana Stupa and Ramabhar Stupa. These dome shaped structures contain relics from golden era of Buddhism when it was well and truly flourishing.
Parinirvana Stupa is a temple built to commemorate the death of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism. He attained Parinirvana here after ordaining his last disciple and uttering his last words to Sangha. Inside the temple is a reclining Buddha statue lying on its right side with head facing north.
On the walls are Brahmi inscriptions which tell that the cremated remains of Lord Buddha are deposited here. A huge copper vessel from Buddhist golden era was discovered here. According to legend the stupa was excavated by archaeologists from a 40 ft high mound of bricks and thorny forests.
Ramabhar Stupa is the place where Lord Buddha was cremated and attained salvation. Ramabhar stupa stands on a mound that lies on the road and is more than 50 m high. The name of the stupa is derived from a nearby lake called Ramabhar Jheel that completely dries up during summer season.
The design of this stupa compliments its ancient historic character. It is built with bricks with a circular base of 47.24 m and stupa height of 14.9m. The drum top is of diameter 34.14 m which awes anyone and everyone both within touching distance of this massive monuments or at a distance from it.
Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is an initiative by IRCTC to take followers of Buddhism to all the places that held significance in Lord Buddha’s life including Parinirvana and Ramabhar stupas. The accommodations on board Buddhist Circuit Tourist give guests plenty of options to choose from for their own comfort. Guests can pick AC first class, AC 2 tier or AC first coupe. Moreover, the train is equipped with exquisite features like – onboard restaurants, foot massagers, digital lockers, shower cubicles and mini library. The new upgraded LHB coaches that are installed in the train come with new safety features and on the outside are covered in vinyl wrap that celebrates Indian tourism and pilgrimage journeys.
