‘Buddha Sharanam Gachhami’ echoed in Sarnath
Kartik Purnima Sarnath: This year, a wonderful confluence of faith and devotion was seen on the holy occasion of Kartik Purnima in Sarnath, the holy land of Dharmachakra Pravartan. In the three-day (03 to 05 November) celebrations organized to commemorate the 94th anniversary of Moolgandh Kuti Vihar, more than 22,000 Buddhist devotees from India and abroad had divine darshan of the sacred bone remains of Lord Buddha. This number is increasing every year which reflects the growing global faith in Buddhism.
Sarnath echoes with the sound of ‘Buddha Sharanam Gachhami’
From the morning of Kartik Purnima, the atmosphere of Sarnath was filled with chanting of mantras and devotional sounds. A grand procession was taken out with the flower-decorated idol of Lord Buddha amidst the sacred chants of ‘Buddha Sharanam Gachchami’. This procession started from Mulgandh Kuti Vihar and passed through the main roads of Sarnath and ended again in the Vihar premises. Amidst the sound of conch shells, bells and musical instruments, the devotees kept moving forward chanting ‘Dhamma Sharanam Gachchami’ and ‘Sangham Sharanam Gachchami’.
Most devotees from Sri Lanka and Vietnam
Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister said that more than 22,000 devotees had divine darshan of the holy remains of Lord Buddha. Among the foreign devotees, the largest number of Buddhist followers came from Sri Lanka and Vietnam. He said, Sarnath is the same holy land, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon Dharmachakra Pravartan. A wonderful confluence of faith and culture was seen there.
The remains are kept for viewing twice a year
The ashes of Lord Buddha are seen twice a year on Buddha Purnima and Kartik Purnima. Devotees from India and abroad reach Sarnath on these occasions. According to historical accounts, after Mahaparinirvana, the remains of Buddha were divided into eight parts and kept in stupas across India. Later, Emperor Ashoka rediscovered these sacred relics and restored them at various places in his empire.
Buddha’s remains returned to his land
This year’s event was also special because the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha have returned to India after 127 years. Bhante Sumithananda Thero, head monk of the Mahabodhi Society of India, described it as a moment of immense joy and spiritual pride. He said, this historic comeback was possible due to the efforts of the Central Government. The arrival of Buddha’s remains on earth is a priceless spiritual experience for us. On this occasion, lakhs of devotees reached Sarnath and felt blessed after having darshan.
Devotees took a pledge to implement Buddha’s teachings in life.
After seeing the holy relics, the devotees paid their last respects to Lord Buddha and took a pledge that they would implement Buddha’s messages of compassion, truth and non-violence in their lives. Sarnath has once again become a witness to that historic moment when the entire earth echoed with the sacred sound of Buddha Sharanam Gachchami.