Bodhgaya is dotted with anecdotes from the Buddha’s life. And, one such place of relevance is Sujata Garh, located just 40 kilometers away from the main city of Bodhgaya. Situated at the banks of the river Niranjana, this Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected site is also called Sujata Quila, which was named after the village chief’s daughter, Sujata. It is said that she was the one who offered kheer or milk-rice pudding to the Buddha, after he underwent rigorous fasting of six years for gaining enlightenment.
There is an interesting legend related to the Buddha’s life behind this famous place. Born into a royal family, the Buddha before attaining enlightenment, led a sheltered life as prince Siddhartha. After witnessing The Four Sights–an old man, a diseased man, a corpse and an ascetic–Siddhartha decided to abandon luxury to embark on a spiritual quest to find an end to suffering. Once he became an ascetic, Siddhartha performed many forms of self-denial, which included undergoing severe fasting.
One day, when Siddhartha was almost near his death due to starvation, a village girl named Sujata offered him kheer, which eventually saved his life. It was after this life-changing incident, Siddhartha concluded that such severe fasting does not provide any spiritual benefit. He looked at such penance as unproductive and mortifying. Thereafter, he abandoned asceticism, and focused instead on anapanasati meditation (awareness of breathing). This was the beginning of discovering of the Middle Way, the path of moderation between the extremes of self-mortification and self-indulgence.
After gaining such an insight, Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, where he eventually attained enlightenment. It is in the memory of this great incident that a Stupa was built here, which came to known as Sujata Garh.
During the excavation by ASI in 1974, it was found that the Stupa was built during three different periods, and a temple complex could also be found near this place. The complex also has an ancient tree and a statue of the Buddha, which are believed to have been created in the contemporary period.
As per a signage of ASI, the brick Stupa was constructed to commemorate the residence of Sujata, the maiden who offered milk-rice to the Buddha. It has been established through excavations which yielded an inscription of 8th-9th century AD reading as Devapala Rajasya Sujata Griha. Excavations conducted by the ASI in 1973-74 and again in 2001-06 have exposed the double terraced circular Stupa with ayakas in cardinal directions.
It was constructed in three phases from Gupta to Pala period. There was a wooden railing around the pradakshina path at the ground level. The entire structure was originally plastered with lime. Some of the antiques unearthed during excavations are displayed in Bodhgaya Museum.
The 11-meter high Stupa, has sadly, over the years, because of neglect, been severely damaged. ASI found many plaques of the Buddha which were in bhumisparsha-mudra, made of plaster. This structure was surprisingly light weight and was found next to the damaged top of the Stupa.
The last phase of the Stupa is believed to be dated from the period of 8th - 10th century A.D. This is based on the plaques and terracotta sealing found at the location. It is believed that as Pala kings had religious inclination, they made the wall enclosure, gateway and the railing. Other important things found in the excavation also include gold ear-ornament–in fragments, small sized terracotta plaques, beads which were of terracotta and agate, a coin which had a punch-mark, torso, as well as many inscribed Buddhas in stone and other materials.
At the current times, the entire structure is like a huge mound that is built with small bricks. It has an intriguing shape, which is not completely round and has signs of worn off plaster.
Visit this place to affirm the belief that severe or extreme form of asceticism may not lead to eventual enlightenment.
#Buddha #Buddhism #Zen #Life #Lifestyle #wisdomwinds
No comments:
Post a Comment