Lord Buddha or the enlightened one, was a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to spreading the message of peace, compassion, and enlightenment. Born as Siddhartha Gautama in the 6th century BCE in Lumbini, Nepal, he renounced his princely life and embarked on a spiritual journey that eventually led to his enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, India. Today, millions of people around the world follow his teachings and strive to attain some level of inner peace and enlightenment. To honour and pay tribute to the life and times of Lord Buddha, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) had introduced a special train, the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train.
The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train is a beautifully designed train that takes passengers on a spiritual and cultural journey through the important Buddhist sites in India and Nepal. It covers places associated with the life of Lord Buddha, including Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Lumbini. The train offers a unique opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the rich history and heritage of Buddhism and gain a deeper understanding of Lord Buddha’s teachings.
The journey begins in the ancient city of Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the profound significance of this place. Travellers can meditate and reflect on their own spiritual journey in the tranquil surroundings of the temple.
From Bodh Gaya, the train takes passengers to Rajgir, the site of Vulture’s Peak, where Lord Buddha delivered many important sermons. The picturesque landscape of Rajgir, nestled in the hills, adds to the charm of the place. Nalanda, an ancient centre of learning, is the next stop. The ruins of Nalanda University, once a great seat of knowledge and education, offers a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural achievements of the time.
As the train continues its journey, it reaches Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. Here, passengers can witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti, a ritualistic ceremony performed on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. From Varanasi, the train moves to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar are some of the key attractions in Sarnath.
Kushinagar, the next destination on the itinerary, is the place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana or final enlightenment. The Mahaparinirvana Temple and the reclining Buddha statue are revered by devotees and offer a serene atmosphere for reflection. Sravasti, associated with many important events in Lord Buddha’s life, including the preaching of the famous Jetavana Sutta, is another stop on the journey.
The final leg of the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train takes passengers to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located in present-day Nepal, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. The sacred garden, Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar are some of the highlights of this revered site.
The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train not only allows travellers to explore important places associated with Lord Buddha in India but also provides an opportunity to interact with fellow pilgrims and scholars who share a common interest in Buddhism and wish to walk in the footsteps of lord Buddha. This tour of the famous Buddhist circuit of India not only offers an enriching insight into the philosophy of Buddhism but is also a great way to self-introspect and come closer to one’s spiritual goals. Want to get started on this one-of-its-kind journey? Visit the official website at www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com.