INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF COMMERCE, ARTS AND SCIENCE ISSN 2319 – 9202

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CASIRJ Volume 8 Issue 11 [Year - 2017] ISSN 2319 – 9202

Role of to uphold Buddhist Tourism in

Dr. Vijay Kumar Assistant Professor Address: Dept. of Tourism, Hotel, Hospitality and Heritage Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT The Buddhist cultural heritage has a long and special history that dates back over 2,500 years and truly binds to most South, Southeast and East Asia. The influence of can be seen in all countries in Asia in terms of history and culture Buddhism is a religion that emerged around ancient Magadha, India (), and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (born in , Nepal), who is known as the Buddha (literally the Enlightened One or Awakened One). It is a philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Buddha.

There are two major branches of Buddhism Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada has the following in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka, and Mahayana in the west, north and then east across Asia. Initially, Buddhism remained one of the many small sects in India. The main breakthrough came when King Asoka (ca. 270-232 BCE) converted to Buddhism. He organized the spread of Buddhism throughout India, but also beyond, the most important of Sri Lanka.

As part of the study mentioned above, my research paper will identify Buddhist Circuits promotion by Indian Railways' and also the various needs and promotion and Buddhist tourism- related circuits to be identified. In this article I will discuss the potential and carrying capacity of the identified National / Buddhist Destination of Indian Railways Tourist Circuits.

Key words: -Buddhist tourism, Indian Railways, Buddhist, IRCTC, .

INTRODUCTION

Buddhism, one of the world's major religions, has its roots in northeastern India. Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha's teaching laid the foundation stone for a new line of thought called Buddhism. Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, Siddhartha left his palace to live the life of a beggar at the age of 29. Buddha wandered through the modern states of and Bihar in India. His steps covered nearly 1000 kilometers from Kajangla in the east to in the west. The Tripitaka, ancient Buddhist scriptures provides us with a glimpse of the Buddha's

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CASIRJ Volume 8 Issue 11 [Year - 2017] ISSN 2319 – 9202 journey. After many years of meditation, Buddha attained enlightenment in . The complex of Gaya temple, Bihar, is the most important pilgrimage site associated with Buddha's life. In 2002, it was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After his enlightenment, Buddha traveled to (Isipathana), where he delivered his first sermon - Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. Dharmekha in Mrigadava or Deer Park in Sarnath is supposed to be the place where the sermon was given. The archaeological museum near the site has a rich collection of Buddhist relics and antiques. Buddha established his first disciples () here to promote his new doctrine. Buddha would have traveled to Rajagaha, , , Urvela and Lativanna. Monasteries identified by the archaeologist include Ghositarama, Jivakarama, Jetavana and Veluvana.

Buddhist locations in India are a yellow attraction. The Ministry of Tourism has also proposed the issuance of multiple long-term visas for ASEAN countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busy studying the proposal. According to the United States, the Ministry of Tourism has suggested that the passenger who has started flights to Mumbai and Delhi has started flying. U.P has got several important destinations architecturally known, bias has an important advantage of Buddhist destinations, it has great potential.

According to availability tourism sources, total tourist arrivals in Bihar, destinations from the tourist visa of Bihar, 94% of national production and 98 percent from foreign tourists, , Sarnath, Gaya (Bodhgaya) and are the top destinations that have huge number of tourist checks ( domestic and foreign). Furthermore Kapilvastu, Sravasti, Sankisa and other possible destinations that can be developed as one of the most important draws are due to their increasing flow of tourists. So, though advanced destinations need an upgrade of facilities which are more than more information and more information.

THE KEY BUDDHIST DESTINATIONS

There are several Buddhist destinations in the important pilgrim perspective of India. The four holy places associated with Gautam Buddha in India are - Bodhgaya, where enlightenment was achieved; Sarnath, near , where he preached his first sermon and Kushinagar, in the neighborhood of Gorakhpur, where he led Mahanirvana. The other major attractions related to Buddhism are: , Vaishali, Nalanda, Amravati and Nagargunakonda. Of the most important destinations, most sites are in two states, namely Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Famous Buddhist destinations in India are listed below:

1) Bodhgaya

The Buddha attained enlightenment at the holy city of Gaya. The tree that had sheltered him became known as the and the place Bodhgaya. Today, Bodhgaya is an important pilgrimage site and has a number of monasteries, some of which have been established by

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Buddhists from Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, etc. Therefore, it is a major attraction for foreign tourists

2) Ladakh

The ancient culture of Ladakh can be seen in its ancient monuments, monasteries, oral literature, art forms and festivals. It is a place where all occasions of marriage, birth, harvest or even flowering plants are characterized by festive, dance and song songs.

• Thiksey Monastery

The Gompa shows a good example of Ladakh's architecture and stands on top of the hill and is part of the Gelukpa order. The monastery complex contains numerous , statues, thankas, wall paintings, swords and a large pillar engraved with the teachings of the Buddha.

• Hemis Monastery

Hemis is named after the famous Buddhist Gompa who is here. Every monastery organizes its annual festivals. One of the festivals where they are famous and famous is the Hemis festival. People from all over Ladakh come to attend this festival, which lasts two days is preceded by seven days after the prayers of the monks in the monastery. The most impressive part of the festival is the famous mask dance performed by the lamas of the monastery for two days without interruption.

3) Tabo Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

The steep hills around Tabo house a small village. It houses about 350 people. The Tabo monastery, also known as the 'doctrinal circle' or Tabo Chos-Khor - 'doctrinal enclave' is a resort with nine temples, 23 chortens, monks' room and an extension that houses the nun's chamber.

4) Nalanda

Nalanda, a large center for Buddhist learning, came to the fore around the fifth century BC. It was a thriving university city with more than ten thousand scholars and an extensive library.

5) Kesaria

Located in the East district, 40 km from Motihari and 10 km from Rampur Khajuria (NH28), Kesaria is the largest and highest stupa in the world, excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Due to the lack of proper marketing strategies, this destination is one of the lesser-known sites that should be promoted.

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6) Vaishali

Vaishali was one of the first republics in the world (6th century BC) it was here that Buddha preached his last sermon. Vaishali, birthplace of Lord Mahavira is also sacred to the Jains.

7) Kushinagar

Located about 53 km from Gorakhpur, the place is known for its association with Lord Buddha who would have reached 'Maharparinivana' - the highest stage of salvation. Although it is known that Lord Buddha his last sermon in 543 BC. In Kushinagar has preached and the city until about the 12th century AD. Continued to flourish, it was only in 1861 that extensive excavations in the site led to the resurgence of the most important Buddha stupas. Important tourist attractions in existing and around the place are: a) Ramabhar Stupa: This large stupa, estimated at about 50 meters high, is famous as the place where Buddha was cremated. b) Mahanirvana temple: this temple has a six-meter statue of a reclining Buddha position and the statue is a representation of the Buddha in his last hours. c) Mathakuar Temple: about 400 Stupa-meters, this temple houses a black stone statue of Buddha and has inscriptions from the 10th and 11th centuries. d) Watt Thai Temple: one of the most popular and tourist attractions in the Kushinagar area, Thai Temple Watt is inspired by Thai Buddhist architecture. e) Japanese temple: this temple attracts tourists, including his 'Ashta Dhatu' or 'eight' metal Buddha. This statue was originally taken from Japan in dismantled form and was reassembled in Kushinagar. f) Chinese temple: visited another popular tourist destination, this temple has predominantly Chinese architecture and is similar to temples in China.

8) Kapilvastu

Kapilvastu is commonly known as Piprahawa and is a place with an immense historical significance. The place used to be the capital of the Shakya dynasty where Buddha was born. The place has considerable value for Buddhist pilgrims and has several Stupas. Archaeological excavations have revealed stone caskets containing relics believed to be the Buddha. Existing main tourist attraction includes: a) Complex Stupa: this is the most important archaeological site that was discovered during the excavations in 1973-1974. Here the ancient inscriptions were found with references to 'Deoputra' (Kanishka of Kushana dynasty), a great protector of Buddhism who built the largest in

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Kapilvastu Vihara and renewed the most important stupa here. The resort is a monument protected by ASI. b) Palace Site: Another attraction of this place is the site of a palace is believed that the ruins of Shuddhodhan the palace of the king, the father of Prince Gautama.

9) Sarnath

Sarnath is located 10 km from the holy city of Varanasi and is one of the most important and respected places that are part of the Buddhist circuit. It is believed that Buddha, after reaching enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, came to Sarnath more than 2,500 years ago to deliver his first sermon. between the number of stupas was built here, one of the most famous was founded by Emperor from the 3rd century BC and the main sites of the 11th century are: a) : It is believed that it was originally built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, the stupa is the first monument to be found after his entry into Sarnath. De Stoepa consists mainly of a pile of bricks and an octagonal tower building around the square. b) : an astonishing conical structure, 28 m in diameter at the base and 43.6 mts in height, average Dhamekh stupa where Buddha provided his first teachings in the form of the Four Noble Truths. The stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka. c) Mulagandha Kuti Vihar: A modern temple built by the Mahabodhi Society, the Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a more modern version of the ancient temple that is now in ruins. A store of Buddhist literature, the temple also has frescoes Kosetsu Nosu most important painter of Japan. d) Sarnath Museum: There are numerous sculptures with numerous statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva scattered throughout Sarnath. The museum houses some of the best examples of Buddhist art next to the site.

10) Sravasti

Sravasti (ancient Savatthi), the capital of the ancient Kosala Mahajanapada, is an important Buddhist destination. Founded by the mythological king Sravasta, Lord Buddha and his disciples continued to preach in Sravasti for 24 years. This ancient city has several secular stupas, majestic monasteries and various temples. Some existing tourist attractions include: a) Sahet: Sahet is a place of Buddhist interest and spread over 32 hectares of land. The place is supposed to be a place where Anathpindak, a wealthy trader, has built the Jetavana Vihar. The Vihara is a sacred place where the Buddha spent 24 years in Sravasti. b) Mahet Mahet, located near Sahet, was a fortified city whose ruins today comprise two stupas. c) The monasteries

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There are a number of monasteries near Jetvana Vihara, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar Thai temples and monasteries, which do meditation and other Buddhist practices. Close to these monasteries is another tourist attraction that is a huge Bell World Peace was established with the help of the Japanese.

ROLE OF INDIAN RAILWAYS IN PROMOTION OF BUDDHIST TOURISM

The IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) of Indian Railways is taking care of all tour packages Rail based in India. IRCTC is a public sector enterprise under Indian Railway luxury steam trains locomotive, letters and Char Dham hill train; that provides tourists with attractive options and at reasonable costs. Maharaja Express, Mahaparinirvan Express (Buddhist circuits), Bharat Darshan and Bharat Tirth are some of his famous train travel. It also has exclusive arrangements for letters and packages. IRCTC initiatives addition, state enterprises and private operators also operate tourist trains. In fact, the world-famous and are part of successful initiatives rail tourism in the world.

Mahapariniavan Expres - “Buddhist Special Tourist Circuit Train”

The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special tourist train that takes passengers on a spiritual tour through Buddhist destinations, where Buddhism originated more than 2,500 years ago. The train gets its name from the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, which contains the Buddha's final explanation of his teachings. Its sacred journey includes visits to the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Lumbini (where the Buddha was born), Bodhgaya (where he became enlightened), Varanasi (where he first preached), and Kusinagar (where he passed away and achieved nirvana).

Train Features The Mahaparinirvan Express is operated by Indian Railways using carriages from a train. This is a fully air conditioned train offering three different classes of travel (first class, two tier, and three tier). It's far from opulent, unlike India's luxury tourist trains, but then again pilgrimages aren't normally associated with luxury! Passengers are greeted with garlands, provided with luggage assistance, and given a welcome gift of a Buddhist guidebook. Security guards are present on the train, and tours are fully guided. Route and Itinerary The train departs from Delhi usually one to two times per month, depending on the season. It has the following itinerary:

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 Day I – Departure Delhi (Delhi Safdarjang Station in the afternoon) for Gaya.  Day II - Arrive Gaya in the morning visit Bodhgaya temples. Over night stay at the hotel.  Day III - Depart for Rajgir & Nalanda. Depart Gaya for Varanasi in the evening.  Day IV - Arrive Varanasi in the morning. Visit Sarnath. Visit the Ganges for the evening Aarti. Depart Varanasi for Gorakhpur in the evening.  Day V - Arrive Gorakhpur in the morning. Visit temples in Kushinagar. Dinner Overnight stay at Hotel.  Day VI – Early morning breakfast and Proceed to Lumbini. Visit temples in Lumbini. Depart to Gorakhpur and Overnight in train.  Day VII - Arrive Gonda in the morning. Visit Sravasti Depart Gonda for Agra in the evening.  Day VIII - Arrive Agra in the morning. Visit Taj Mahal. Depart Agra for Delhi in the afternoon. Arrive Delhi (Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station) in the evening.

Tour Itinerary at Glance

DAY CITY MODE OF DISTAN TIME IN ACTIVITY ACCOMODA TRANSPORT CE IN KM. HRS. TION 1500 Reception at Station Departure of the 1600 train Delhi 1 Train 1700 Evening Tea On train Dinner on Board 990 1900

Arrival of the train Train 0510 and early morning tea Gaya Departure to AC Bus 16 0630 Bodhgaya Arrival at Bodhgaya check-in 0700 Wash and change. Hotel

Breakfast Mahabodhi 2 Sightseeing at Temple, 1000 Bodhgaya Temple Niranjana Bodhgaya River 1300 Lunch Japanese Temple, Thai 1600 Visit to Temple Temple, & Buddha Statue 1900 Dinner At hotel

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Overnight stay at

hotel Early morning tea 0500 - Break fast 0700 Check out AC Bus 80 0700 Departure for Rajgir Bibimbisara 0930 Arrival at Rajgir Jail, Gridhakut Rajgir Parvat Sightseeing At the 1300 Lunch Restaurant 3 Nalanda AC Bus 15 1330 Proceed to Nalanda Ruins Sightseeing at 1400 Nalanda Nalanda 1700 Evening tea AC Bus 85 1800 Back to Gaya Arrival at Gaya 1900 Railway station Gaya 2000 Dinner on Board On train Train 220 2330 Departure from Gaya On train Early morning tea on

0500 board Arrival at Varanasi Varanasi Check in at hotel 0600 - Wash and change Hotel 0830 Break fast Departure for AC Bus 10 0830 Sarnath Arrival at Sarnath Dhameck Stupa, Sarnath Sarnath 0930 Sightseeing Museum & 4 Mulguhand Kutir Vihar Lunch at Hotel and 1230 Hotel check out

10 1330 Golf or shopping AC Bus

Varanasi Visit to Ghat, boat ride, evening Aarti, 1700 etc. and return to train.

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2000 Dinner at train

Gorakhpur On board early 0520 morning tea 0620 Arrival at Gorakhpur Departure to hotel at AC Bus 60 0620 Kushinagar 0800 Arrival Hotel 0800 Check in at hotel 0900 Break fast Mahaparinir vana Temple, Rambhar Sightseeing of Stupa, Mata 5 0945 Kushinagar Kutir Temple Mathakuar Temple & Kushinag Nirvana Stupa ar 1400 Lunch 1600 Evening tea 1700 Chanting session Dinner with Cultural 1930 Programme Overnight stay at

hotel 0530 - Early morning tea At hotel

0700 and breakfast at hotel 0730 Check out from hotel Departure for AC Bus 170 0800 Lumbini Arrival at Lumbini Maya Devi 1230 Temple, Sightseeing 6 Ashokan Pillar, Lumbini 1330 Lunch at restaurant The Pushkami & 1400 Sightseeing Buddhist Monastery Departure to Gorakhpur AC Bus 1600 Gorakhpur International Research Journal of Commerce Arts and Science http://www.casirj.com Page 166

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Arrival at Gorakhpur 2000 station 2030 Dinner on train Train Departure from Train 184 2330 On train Gorakhpur

0330 Arrival at Gonda On board early 0500 Gonda morning tea Departure to AC Bus 0530 Saravasti Arrival at Saravasti 0730 Check in at hotel Hotel 0830 Breakfast Sehath Maheth Jetvana Vihara 0930 Sightseeing 7 Saravasti & Pakki Kuti (Angulimara Stupa) 1300 Lunch at hotel Hotel Check out of hotel 1430 and departure for Gonda Arrival Gonda 1630 Railway station Departure of the Gonda Train 450 1825 Train. On train

1840 Evening High Tea On train Dinner and 2000 On train Overnight Arrival Agra and 0500 On train early morning tea Transfer to hotel for 0600 - AC Bus check in and wash and Agra 0730 change Hotel 0800 Breakfast 8 0900 Check out AC Bus 0930 Sightseeing at Agra Taj Mahal 1320 Arrival at Train,

Departure to Delhi Train 220 1415 and Onboard Lunch Delhi

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Arrival at Delhi 1730 Safdarjung

SALIENT FEATURES OF MAHAPARINIRVAN SPECIAL TOUR

1.Exclusive Train for Mahaparinirvan Tour –

The Mahaparinirvan Special Tourist Train is an exclusive Air Conditioned train and does not take passengers other than those booked for this tour by IRCTC.

2. Security on train

Private Security Guards in each coach for the safety of passengers’ luggage.

3. On-board Hygienic Kitchen Car Facility –

The passengers can choose from an assortment of sumptuous hot meals (Indian, Continental & Chinese cuisines), snacks and cold drinks. Packaged drinking water, tea and coffee are also available to the passengers in ample quantity.

4. On-board Clean and Hygienic Lavatories and Showers –

For the convenience of the passengers, clean and hygienic lavatories and showers are provided on-board.

5. Accommodation in comfortable Hotels of the Buddhist Circuit –

Accommodation in comfortable hotels of the Buddhist Circuit is provided.

6. Visa Facilitation for Lumbini –

For visiting Lumbini (Nepal), acquiring the Nepal visa is facilitated by IRCTC. The passenger needs to carry the requisite documents, photographs etc. However, it is preferable to get the Nepal visa in advance to save time at the border.

7. Insurance Cover –

All passengers are provided with Travel Insurance Cover for the duration of the tour.

8. Medical Facility –

In case of any exigency, medical support can be provided through an extensive network of Indian Railways medical facilities.

9. Partial Booking Facility –

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Partial Booking Facility is available for the benefit of the passengers who want to cover only a few places of Buddhist Pilgrimage. The booking should be for a minimum of 3 nights/4 days.

10. Location Advantage –

The tour begins and concludes at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, which is a 30 minutes drive (under normal traffic conditions) from the International Airport. Also, the environs of the station being calm and peaceful provide smooth and hassle-free check-in and boarding

11. Language Guide –

Tour guides of various languages would be provided for groups of more than 20 passengers traveling together. JOURNEY DURATION AND CONCLUSION The total journey runs for seven nights/eight days. However, it's possible to travel only on selected parts of the Buddhist sites in India. But, as a whole it’s a good initiative by the Indian Railways to open a door for Buddhist pilgrimage in India. Studies say that upcoming 100 years are for Buddhist tourism and it will grow many times than any other tourism products.

India has a potential to fulfill the desire of pilgrimage tourists but, for them a good connectivity an safety is required, the “Mahaparinivan Express” is a very good initiative by the IRCTC but this train still not popular enough to fulfill the requirements of the tourist so Indian Railways should focus on these problems and grievances of the tourists and introduce good and hygiene trains to this circuit and also to the south Indian buddhist tourist places.

References:-  Origin and Expansion of Buddhism, by Bhikkhu J. Kashyap in The Path of The Buddha. Edited by Kenneth W. Morgan, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1986.  2,500 Years of Buddhism. General Editor Prof. P. V. Bapat, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India, 1956.  Buddhist Monks and Monasteries in India, by Sukumar Dutt, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1988.  Buddhist Monuments, by Debala Mitra. Published by Shishu Sahitya Samsad Pvt. Ltd., 32A Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Calcutta 9, India. Websites:-  http://www.indianrail.gov.in/luxury_Train.html  http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-03-13/patna/27878371_1_buddhist- pilgrims-irctc-rajgir  http://www.irctctourism.com/cgi-bin/dev1.dll/irctc/booking/bestSellerTrains.jspBuddhist Pilgrimage (e-book - the eight major Buddhist sites in India)

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