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| The Great Renunciation Trail of Mahatheri Mahapajapati |
BACKGROUND
One of the lesser-known yet inspiring stories in the history of the Buddha is the story of Mahaprajapati Gautami (MPG) and her journey with 500 Sakyan women to Vaishali to persuade the Buddha to admit them into the Sangha. This 300 km epic journey of MPG and the 500 Sakyan women in the 6th BCE from Kapilavastu to Vaishali is a shared legacy of India and Nepal.
After Mahamaya, Buddha's mother, passed away, MPG became his foster mother and raised him. At the age of twenty-nine, the Buddha renounced worldly life to seek the Truth, and six years later, he attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya. Five years following his enlightenment, the Buddha returned to Kapilavastu. This visit offered MPG the chance to express her desire to join the sangha to the Buddha. However, the Buddha declined her request and, along with the newly ordained 500 Sakyan men, departed for Vaishali. MPG, along with the 500 Sakyan women—wives of the newly ordained 500 Sakyan men—also wished to leave worldly life and dedicate themselves to the practice of dhamma. Led by MPG, the women shaved their heads, donned monastic robes, and set out barefoot on a 300-kilometre journey to Vaishali, where the Buddha was residing. After some hesitation, the Buddha was convinced by his aunt's evidence, the women’s clarity and conviction, and Ananda's arguments. He permitted Mahaprajapati Gautami and the 500 Sakyans to join the sangha, thereby establishing a social and legal framework for the community of bhikkhunis.
This journey marked the founding of the bhikkhuni sangha, a truly historic milestone. It was the first women's institution in recorded history with a continuous legacy of glorious contributions since its inception at Vaishali over 2600 years ago. The Renunciation Trail of MPG and the 500 Sakyans affirms and promotes equal opportunity for all, free from gender discrimination. The United Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha International (UTBSI), the Light of Buddhadhamma Foundation International (LBDFI), and the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (NNM), in collaboration with the Tzu Chi Foundation, have joined forces to commemorate the Great Renunciation of Mahaprajapati Gautami and the 500 Sakyan women.
THE EVENT
One hundred Bhikkhunis and Samaneris from 13 countries took part in the event, many facing significant challenges, including last-minute visa issues, flight cancellations, and missed connecting flights due to delays. Camaraderie among the 100 monastics during the more than a week-long event thrived despite cultural and language differences by emphasising shared goals, empathy, mutual respect, and mindful adherence to the Vinaya. The Venerable Sangha of the MPG event retraced the 300 km route from Kapilavastu to Vaishali, passing through sacred sites such as Lumbini, Ramagrama, Thadi Ghat (Anoma), Daruabari, Nandangaarh, and Kesariya along the renunciation trail of Mahapajapati Gotami and the 500 Shakyan women. The highlight of the event was the sacred relics of MPG brought specially from Sri Lanka for the historic occasion, which led the ceremonial processions each day.
The event expresses gratitude to Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Tathālokā Therī, the guiding force and architect who played a key role in conceiving and shaping it from the outset. Although she could not attend in person due to health reasons, her vision guided the entire nine-day programme. Extensive gratitude to Venerable Maitri Bhikkhu, who inspired the initial conception of the idea and offered comprehensive support in Nepal. Thank you, Venerable Ayye Shakya Dhammadinna and Venerable Bhikkhuni Vandana, for your coordination, management, and careful handling of the daily programme's details. LBDFI volunteers offered essential support, ensuring the event proceeded smoothly. We experienced the warmth and generosity of the villagers and local schoolchildren at Thadi Ghat (on the west bank of ancient Anoma), Daruabari (on the east bank of ancient Anoma), Nandangarh, Bhakhra (site of ancient Kutagrashala), and Birpur (MPG's final demise locality). Thank you to all of them for the wonderful memories that left a lasting impression on us.
The MPG Trail constitutes a shared heritage between India and Nepal. We convey our gratitude to our Dhamma friends, patrons, and collaborators from both sides of the border— Lumbini Development Trust, Dr Basanta Bidari, Bikram PandeKaaji NuwaKott, Chandra Prakash Pathak , dr Arvind Singh Vietnam Mahaprajapati Nunnery, Vivatta Pathama Bhikkhuni Maha Pajapati Gotami Arahanta Theri, and Sangita Bauddh—for their invaluable support. We appreciate the meaningful offerings of Dhammadharini Monastery, Samanvaya Seva Sansthan India, Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma Foundation, Ariya Vihara, Malaysia (Venerable Bhikkhuni Sumangala), Parents of Bhikkhuni Gotami, Bhikkhuni Avera, and Bhikkhuni Vandana, and Upasikas Sulakshana Kashe and Fanish Mendhe. Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to Shri Pratya Amrit, Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, for designating the event as a State Guest Event. Our sincere thanks are also due to the District Magistrates of West Champaran, Muzzafarpur, and Vaishali for their substantial support. Superintendent Archaeologist, Patna Circle, for support at ASI-protected monuments.
The event signifies not a conclusion, but rather an inception. We aspire for it to elevate awareness of Mahatheri Mahaprajapati's eminent contributions to the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. Furthermore, we anticipate that this trail, emblematic of courage, conviction, and grit, will be acknowledged as a World Heritage trail.
Pic Courtesy- Vikash Kumar
Select pictures from the Event.
Reception of Holy Relics of Mahaprajapati Gautami
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| The Most Sacred Relics of Mahatheri Mahaprajapati Gaotami are being welcomed in Kathmandu, Nepal. 15th December. |
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| The Most Sacred Relics of Mahatheri Mahaprajapati Gautami are being welcomed at Lumbini Airport, Nepal. |
Day 1- Palace City of Kapilavastu, Tilaurakot
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| Ceremonial walk, Venerable Sangha of MPG Trail at Tilaurakot, Palace City of Kapilavastu. |
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| The Most Sacred Relics of Mahatheri Mahaprajapati Gaotami at the Palace City, Kapilavastu, Tilaurakot. MPG Trail is India-Nepal Shared Heritage. |
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| Inaugural Event. |
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| Most venerable Maitri Bhikkhu blesses the event. |
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| Dr Basant Bidari is sharing the history of the site. |
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| Head shaving ceremony for the newly temporarily ordained samaneris. |
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| Head shaving ceremony for the newly temporarily ordained samaneris. |
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| Head shaving ceremony for the newly temporarily ordained samaneris. |
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| Temporarily ordained samneris receiving robes. |
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| Temporarily ordained samaneris receiving robes. |
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| Ms Lin Pi Yu, Vice President, Tzu Chi Foundation, sharing her thoughts. |
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| Temporarily ordained samneris in robes, led by Venerable Bhikkhuni Santacārī. Tilaurakot. |
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| Mindfully enjoying the meal, Eastern Gate, Tilaurakot. |
Day 2- Mayadevi Temple, Lumbini |
| Venerable Santini holding the Holy MPG Relics. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG, Lumbini Temple. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG, Lumbini Temple. |
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG, Lumbini Temple.
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG walking through the neighbourhoods of Tilaurakot. |
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG walking through the neighbourhoods of Tilaurakot. |
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG offering veneration to the Twin Stupa, Tilaurakot. |
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG walking through the neighbourhoods of Tilaurakot. |
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG walking through the neighbourhoods of Tilaurakot. |
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The venerable Mahasangha participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tzu Chi site. |
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| Sanghadana offered by Tzu Chi Foundation. |
Day 3- Ramagram Relic Stupa
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Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Ramagrama Relic Stupa. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Ramagrama Relic Stupa. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Ramagrama Relic Stupa. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Ramagrama Relic Stupa. |
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| Wangmo Dixey addressing the Venerable Mahasangha at Ramagrama Stupa. |
Day 3- Thadi Ghat, River Anoma (Now Gandak/Narayani)
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Anoma River. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Anoma River. |
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| Sacred Relics of MPG at Anoma River. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Anoma River. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG at Anoma River. |
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| MPG and 500 shakyans crossed Anoma to continue their journey further to Vaishali. Venerable Bhikkhunis of the MPG Carika, symbolically doing a boat ride in ancient Anoma (now Gandak/Narayani). |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika doing Patimokkha recitation at the banks of Anoma. |
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| Ayye Shakya Dhammadinna giving Dhamma talk to upasaka and upasika at the Thadi Ghat. |
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| Upasikas from neighbourhoods of the Thadi Ghat offering sanghadana to the Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika. |
Day 4- Daruabari
Daruabari is on the eastern bank of the Gandak, or the ancient Anoma, and most likely the site where the Buddha cut his hair in renunciation.
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika at Daruabari. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika at Daruabari. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika at Daruabari. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika offering prayers. Local upasaka and Upasikas gathered to welcome the Mahasangha. |
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| Bird's-eye view of the Daruabari site that has ancient remains, probably ancient stupas mentioned by Xuanzang and Faxian. |
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| Daruabari forest that has ancient remains, probably ancient stupas mentioned by Xuanzang and Faxian. |
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| Venerable Bhikkhunis venturing into forest to venerate stupa remains. |
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| Locals clear the vegetation to reveal the ancient remains. |
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| Locals clear the vegetation to reveal the ancient remains. |
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| Ancient remains in Daruabari mentioned by Faxian and Xuanzang. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering prayers at ancient stupas remains mentioned by Faxian and Xuanzang. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering prayers at ancient stupas remains mentioned by Faxian and Xuanzang. |
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| Ancient stupas remain in the Daruabari Tiger Reserve forest. Faxian and Xuanzang visited these stupas to mark the great renunciation of Bodhisattva Siddhartha. |
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| Brother Shio of Tzu Chi Foundation holding ancient bricks, Daruabari. |
Day 5- Nandangarh and Kesariya |
| Venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika at Nandangarh Stupa. |
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| The venerable Mahasangha of MPG Carika being welcomed by local schoolgirls at Nandangarh Stupa. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of putting a thank-you signature on the Gratitude Plaque to be offered to Master Cheng Yen. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha of putting a thank-you signature on the Gratitude Plaque to be offered to Master Cheng Yen. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha at the Nandangarh Stupa. We thank the ASI staff and local officials for their heartwarming hospitality. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha candlelit circumambulation of the Kesariya Stupa. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha candlelit circumambulation of the Kesariya Stupa. |
Day 6- Bakhra and Birpur, Vaishali
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| Venerable Mahasangha and the Tzu Chi team, led by VP Ms Lin Pi Yu, are walking to Bhakra Village. According to Xuanzang, the ancient remains of Bakhra are Kutagrashala, where the Buddha ordained MPG and 500 shakyans. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha and team Tzu Chi, led by VP, Ms Lin Pi Yu, at the house of Shri Devendra Mahato. This is the most prominent and most conspicuous mound in the village. Mahasangha symbolically offering prayers at the mound. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha and team Tzu Chi, led by VP, Ms Lin Pi Yu, walking to the Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Ksetra. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha and team Tzu Chi, led by VP, Ms Lin Pi Yu, walking to the Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Ksetra. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering prayers at the most prominent mound in the Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Ksetra. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering prayers at the most prominent mound in the Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Ksetra. |
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The valedictory ceremony of the inaugural MPG Carika was held at the Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Ksetra.
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering the Gratitude Plaque and Honorary Badge for the Master Cheng Yen to the team Tzu Chi, led by VP, Ms Lin Pi Yu. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering momentos and gifts to Bhikkhuni sangha and Upasaka and Upasikas. |
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| Volunteers being honoured for their exemplary support. |
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| Venerable Mahasangha offering a certificate of participation to the team Tzu Chi, led by VP, Ms Lin Pi Yu, |
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| Honorary Badge for Most Venerable Tathālokā Therī for her immense contribution to making this inaugural MPG carika possible. |
