PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Bodh Gaya
Explanation
Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, attained 'Nirvana' or supreme enlightenment at Bodh Gaya (in present-day Bihar, India). He meditated deeply under a Peepal tree (which came to be known as the Bodhi Tree) on the banks of the Niranjana river. After reaching enlightenment at the age of 35, Siddhartha Gautama became known as the 'Buddha', meaning 'The Awakened One' or 'The Enlightened One'.
Key Points
- > Buddha was born as Siddhartha in 563 BCE in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu (present-day Nepal).
- > He delivered his very first sermon at Sarnath (near Varanasi). This historical event is termed 'Dharmachakra Pravartana' (Turning the Wheel of Law).
- > He passed away (attained Mahaparinirvana) at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
- > The tree under which he attained enlightenment is revered as the Bodhi Tree.
- > The core texts of Buddhism are compiled in the 'Tripitaka', written in the Pali language.
Additional Information
The 4 Great Events in Buddha's Life
| Event / Term | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | Lumbini | Start of Siddhartha's journey |
| Nirvana (Enlightenment) | Bodh Gaya | Attainment of supreme knowledge |
| Dharmachakra Pravartana | Sarnath | First sermon given to 5 disciples |
| Mahaparinirvana | Kushinagar | The physical death of the Buddha |
Memory Tips
- Bodh Gaya = Bodhi (Wisdom): The word 'Bodh' refers to wisdom or enlightenment, perfectly linking the place to the event.