In the course of pilgrimage, Emperor Ashoka visited the following places. Which route did he follow? Select the correct answer from the codes given below: 1. Gaya 2. Kapilavastu 3. Kushinagar 4. Lumbini 5. Sarnath 6. Shravasti ** Code:**
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1999
A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
B. 1, 3, 4, 2, 5 and 6
C. 4, 5, 6, 3, 2 and 1
D. 4, 2, 1, 5, 3 and 6
Answer: 4, 2, 1, 5, 3 and 6
Option d is the correct answer.
The places Ashoka visited are crucial in the life of Gautama Buddha and the development of Buddhism. The correct order of his pilgrimage route is as follows:
Lumbini: The birthplace of Gautama Buddha, located in present-day Nepal.
Kapilavastu: The city where Gautama Buddha spent his early life before renouncing worldly pleasures.
Bodh Gaya: The site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Sarnath: The place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (the Turning of the Dhamma Wheel).
Kushinagar: The place where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, or final enlightenment, and passed away.