Retracing the maiden footsteps of Buddha in Vārānasī and Sārnātha

Sunrise, Ganges, Vārānasī.

The Venerable Mahāsaṅgha of the International Tipitaka Chanting Council (ITCC), during its Dhammayātrā 2025, retraced the Buddha's maiden journey after his enlightenment from Rājaghāt (Vārānasī) to Sārnātha. 

Sārnātha, in the time of the Buddha, was known as Isipatana (Ṝiṣipattana). It was also referred to as Migadāya (deer park) because deer roam freely in this area. At this location, the Buddha delivered his first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (the First Turning of the Wheel), to five of his former companions on the full moon day of āsālha (June-July). In October 2020, on my foot journey, ‘Retracing Bodhisattva Xuanzang,’ I explored the Buddha's path from the River Ganges (Rājaghāt) to Sārnātha. The aim was to facilitate a thematic walking Buddhist pilgrimage commemorating the ‘First Turning of the Wheel.’ 

The Venerable Mahāsaṅgha walked through the narrow streets of ancient Vārānasī and offered prayers at the site of the Ashokan Pillar in Lāt Bhairava. The broken Ashokan pillar, now covered and worshipped as the Shiva Linga, is believed to be the Ashokan Pillar noted by the 7th-century monk scholar Xuanzang. Research suggests that the Pillar marks where the Buddha received Yasa, the son of a wealthy merchant from Vārānasī.

I hope that the modern 7 km stretch of road from Rājaghāt via Mirzāpur-Vārānasī Road, Golgaddā Road, Madan Mohan Marg, Āshāpur Road, and Ṝṭhiṣipattana Marg to the Sārnātha archaeological site could be developed as the ‘Day of the First Turning of the Wheel.’ This would serve as a fitting tribute to commemorate the historic event of the First Turning of the Wheel.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha, Ganges.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha landing at the NAMO ghāt adjacent to the archaeological site of Rājaghāt.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha walking through the streets of Vārānasī.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha at Lāt Bhairava.

The broken Ashokan pillar is now covered and worshipped as the Shiva Linga.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha circumambulating the Ashokan Pillar at Lāt Bhairava.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offering prayers at the Ashokan Pillar, Lāt Bhairava.

Retracing the last footsteps of Mahākassapa (Mahākāśyapa)

Mahākassapa (Mahākāśyapa) is one of the most revered disciples of the Buddha. He survived the Mahāparinibbāna (Mahāparinirvāṇa) of the Buddha and was notable for not only exchanging robes with him but also convening the first Buddhist council following the Buddha's great demise.

 

According to Buddhist literature, Mahākassapa did not die but entered samādhi at Gurupāda (Gurpā Hill). Buddhist texts describe his last journey from Veḷuvana (Rājgir) to Gurpā Hill. Based on my research and exploration, I have identified the most likely route taken by Mahākassapa from Veḷuvana to Gurpā Hill. Those interested in learning about the route can follow the story on my blog at this link: Memorialising the Last Footsteps of Illustrious Mahākassapa.

It is heartening to share that the four-day event, ‘Memorialising the Last Footsteps of Illustrious Mahākassapa’, designed to celebrate and commemorate his legacy, concluded on 8th January 2025. The Venerable Mahāsaṅgha of ITCC (International Tipitika Chanting Council), comprising twenty-six venerable monks from Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and India, retraced the footsteps of Mahākassapa from Veḷuvana to his final resting place, Gurupāda (Gurpā Hill). Venerable Mahāsaṅgha retracing the 70 km journey in three days visiting important sites and villages on the way. 

I had a sacred opportunity to serve the Mahāsaṅgha of ITCC, leading the trail in the last footsteps of Mahākassapa from Veḷuvana to his final resting place, Gurupāda. Mahākassapa belongs to Magadha. Being born and raised in Magadha, I feel profound gratitude. Mahākassapa is a local exemplar who is revered all over the world for his contributions to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offered prayers at the First Council place.

Before commencing this historic route, following in the footsteps of Mahākassapa, the Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offered prayers at Sapṭaparnī Guhā, the First Council place, and Pipphaligūhā, where the Buddha delivered the Gilana Sutta to the ailing Mahākassapa. 

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offered prayers at Pipphaligūhā.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha with the community in Oro.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offering prayers to An ancient image of Buddha in Oro.

The Venerable Mahāsaṅgha followed the ancient route and offered prayers at ancient Buddhist sites such as Oro and Khanwā along the way.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha at 108 ft Buddha, Monastery, Hisua.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha interacting with the community at village Pandmaul.

Upāsikā Wangmo Dixey offering saṅghadāna at Pandamaul.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha at Khanwā.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha interacting with the students at Adarsh School, Sirdalla.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha at Gurpā market.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha and Prof Siddhartha Singh, VC, NNM at Gurpā.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha climbing the Gurpā Hill.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offering prayers at the Gurpā Hill.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offering prayers at the Gurpā Hill.

Venerable Mahāsaṅgha offering prayers at the Gurpā Hill.

Volunteer Stanzin Suddho holding the image of Ashoka.

Thanks to LBDFI Dhammāyatrā and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Nalanda, Deemed University, Nalanda, for conceiving ‘Memorialising the Last Footsteps of Illustrious Mahākassapa’, a four-day event to honour Mahākassapa.

This event couldn’t have been as successful without the Dhamma volunteers of LBDFI.

A documentation team comprising filmmakers and photographers Shri Surinder Talwar, Pankaj Badra, Pau Ly, Vikash Kumar, Sarthak Ghosh and Santu Shimpl followed the trail. 

I hope this journey will facilitate the revival of the route from Veḷuvana (Rājagṛiha) to Kukkuṭapāda (Gurupāda) for the pilgrimage as the ‘Mahākassapa Trail’. I sincerely thank Ms Wangmo Dixey, Prof. Siddhartha Singh, VC, NNM, and Ranjan Kumar Ji (LBDFI) for their leadership and for making this concept a reality. 

all pictures @ Vk films.