Thursday, February 17, 2011

Explore The Buddhist Worship Places In India - Land Of Buddha

Anna was reading about Buddhist circuit Tours In India and she realised that Budhism is a way of life and is based on the beliefs and teachings of Lord Buddha or Sidhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha-a name that stands for  the awakened one in Sanskrit.

She realized that India Tour is famous for Buddhist tour because between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent.  Buddha or Sidhartha Gautam was basically an Indian prince, who was born in approximately 563 BC. He began his spiritual quest fairly young-at the age of 29, and later received enlightenment under the Bodhi tree (‘tree of wisdom’) at Bodh Gaya in the Northern Indian.

As a result the country has lot many places that are a testimony to the Buddhist Places of  Worship. Some of these are: Sravasti that has Jetavana monastery with Buddha’s hut, Lumbini , which is Buddha’s birthplace, Kushinagar –the place where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, Patna, Bodhagaya-the place where Buddha attained enlightenment and Varanasi –the place where one can find Buddhist structures.

To begin with Sarnath is almost ten kilometres from Varanasi, which is a holy city of Hindus and is the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermons in the Deer park. It is this place that finds lot of significance in the Buddhism religion.The destination has the outstanding Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas; the remains of a monastery, and the beautiful and awe inspiring Lion Capital of Ashoka. In fact Sarnath contains a rich library and at the Mula gandha Kutir Vihara there are excellent frescoes by Kosetsu Nosu. 

The Sarnath Museum, not far from the site, contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture. Over a period of time, Sarnath has developed as a place of pilgrimage, both for Buddhists from India and abroad. Many a countries where Buddhism is a dominating religion, temples and monasteries have been established in Sarnath style. So a visit to Sarnath offers a once in the lifetime opportunity to experience an overview of Buddhist architecture from various cultures.

The second a must-visit place in a Buddhist circuit states Erco Travels agent is Bodhgaya. This is the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. The destination boasts of Mahabodhi Temple Complex. According to Buddhist traditions, the Buddha, reached the sylvan banks of Falgu river wandering as an ascetic. He sat in meditation under a bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), where after three days and nights of meditation, he attained enlightenment and the answers that he sought.

Another very important place in this circuit is Savatthi, which is located on the banks of the river Rapti. It so happens that the King of this city was a disciple of Buddha. The city still is beautiful and is a place where Buddha spent the greater part of his monastic life. Buddha’s first visit to this place was at the invitation of Anathapindika, whom he met in Rajagaha. As a result the main monasteries are in Sravastiand is a place where most Buddhist love to visit. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with Erco Travels agent to plan it all!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Pushkar Fair Tour

While identifying the must-visit destinations in India Tour, Joanne wrote down Pushkar Fair in Rajsthan her priority list. She had read somewhere that Pushkar is one of the holiest cities of India. What attracted her most was the legend that went with the city.

It was popularly believed that Gods were on a lookout for a place on earth where their lord-Brahma could perform a holy yagna. So a holy swan was released with a lotus in its beak. Gods opined that where ever this lotus will fall is where Brahma will perform the yagna and as luck would have it, the lotus fell in a place which is popularly known as Pushkar, which stands for lotus.
Pushkar Fair Tour

Joanne undoubtedly wanted to see this place which was the chosen one for Gods and also wanted to plan her trip in such a way that she could be in time to see the Pushkar fair. Erco Travels agent had mentioned in his email that this will be a five day long festivity and is the most sought after tourist attraction. He went on to add that this is the time when whole city vibrates with religious fervor and is out on streets to celebrate.

For the tourists Pushkar fair Tour is a period of relaxation and merry-making. However for others, it is the busiest time of the year as the area boasts of country’s largest cattle fair. In this, animals especially camels-to the tune of almost 50,000 are displayed and sold. This is accompanied by brisk trading in cattle. What makes this activity so engrossing for the tourist is the manner in which these animals are decorated before being sold. The camels are washed, scrubbed and cleaned and then decorated with jewelry and finery. Many animals are also adorned with bells that tinkle filling the air with a musical sound of festivity. Another interesting ritual is the piercing of camel's nose.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Rajasthan Is The First Choice Of Inbound Travellers

"Do you believe in fairytales?" Asked Mark to his band of friends. "Obviously" answered his girlfriend. "With chivalrous and charming Princes, graceful Princesses adorning fine, Glittering jewelry and the grand opulence of Palaces, anybody would fall for a fairy tale." 

"Well then, let’s talk to Erco Travels to plan our trip to a fairy tale place in India". Everybody Loved and cheered for the idea.

The Erco official reverted immediately with an itinerary to various places in Rajasthan Tour .Their discovery of  Incredible Rajasthan would start with stay at Jaipur. This pink city is famous for it's pink sandstone used in construction of the main walls of the city, it's forts and palaces.

The group would visit the imposing fort of Amer as the Maharajas did, by riding on the back of an elephant. Within the imposing walls of this fort are some most beautiful palaces of early Maharajas and their Queens. Decorated in gemstones, mirrors and enamel paint, these palaces are a treat to watch. A visit to the City Palace takes you to the dream world of luxury and beauty. From the Fort to visit the 16th century scientific invention of the ruling Kings, the Jantar Mantar. An array of various constructed devices, the Jantar Mantar, is one of the earliest inventions to acertain Earth's movements and planetary positions.