Buddhism & Jainism in UP

Why UP Is Central to Buddhism and Jainism

Uttar Pradesh is arguably the most important state in the world for Buddhist heritage. Almost every milestone in Buddha’s life — from childhood to his first sermon to his death — happened on UP soil. Similarly, Jainism’s foundational figures have deep roots in the state.

Exam Fact: Of the 8 major Buddhist pilgrimage sites (Ashtamahasthana), 5 are in Uttar Pradesh.

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Buddhist Sites in UP

1. Sarnath (Varanasi)

Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta) to five ascetics in the Deer Park, an event called “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath was adopted as India’s national emblem on 26 January 1950.

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2. Kushinagar (Kushinagar District)

Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (death) at Kushinagar around 483 BCE at the age of 80, lying between two sal trees.

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3. Shravasti (Gonda-Bahraich Border)

Shravasti was the capital of Kosala and the city where Buddha spent the maximum number of rainy season retreats — 24 out of 45.

Exam Tip: Shravasti is associated with the “Twin Miracle” (Yamaka-Patihariya) where Buddha simultaneously produced fire and water from his body.

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4. Kapilvastu / Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar)

Kapilvastu was the Shakya republic capital where Prince Siddhartha (Buddha) spent his childhood and youth for 29 years before the Great Renunciation.

• Piprahwa (Siddharthnagar) is identified as the Indian site of Kapilvastu
• In 1898, W.C. Peppe discovered a stone casket containing relics inscribed with the words “relics of Buddha” in Brahmi script
• Archaeological remains include monastic complexes dating from 3rd century BCE to 5th century CE

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5. Sankassa (Farrukhabad)

Sankassa is where Buddha descended from Trayastrimsha heaven after preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother Maya Devi for three months. He descended on a triple ladder — of gold, silver, and crystal.

• Ashoka erected a pillar here topped with an elephant capital
• The site is identified with the modern village of Sankisa in Farrukhabad

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6. Kaushambi (Prayagraj)

Kaushambi was the Vatsa kingdom capital and an important teaching centre for Buddha.

After Buddha’s death, Kaushambi received a share of his bodily relics, and a stupa was erected over them.

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Jain Sites in UP

Varanasi — Birthplace of Parshvanath

Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, was born in Varanasi around 872 BCE (traditional dating). He was a prince of the Kashi kingdom who renounced the throne.

• Parshvanath attained Moksha at Shikharji (Jharkhand), but his birth and early life were in Varanasi
• Several Jain temples exist in the old city of Varanasi

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Ayodhya — Birthplace of Rishabhanath

Rishabhanath (Adinath), the 1st Tirthankara, was born in Ayodhya according to Jain tradition. Ayodhya is therefore one of the holiest cities for Jains.

• 5 Tirthankaras are traditionally associated with Ayodhya: Rishabhanath (1st), Ajitanath (2nd), Abhinandannath (4th), Sumatinath (5th), and Anantanath (14th)
• Ancient Jain temples and pilgrimage spots exist in the city

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Deogarh (Lalitpur) — Jain Rock-Cut Temples

The Jain temples at Deogarh (Lalitpur district, Bundelkhand) are among the finest examples of Jain architecture in India.

• Over 31 Jain temples dating from the 8th to 17th century
• Remarkable sculptural panels depicting all 24 Tirthankaras
• The site is an ASI-protected monument

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Ashoka’s Role in Spreading Buddhism

Emperor Ashoka (269-232 BCE) transformed Buddhism from a regional faith into a world religion, and UP was his launchpad:

• Erected pillars at Sarnath, Prayagraj, Meerut, Sankassa, Kaushambi
• The Sarnath Lion Capital became India’s national emblem
• Built stupas over Buddha’s relics across UP
• Sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia
• His Dhamma policy was first proclaimed at Sarnath

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Key Takeaways

• Sarnath = first sermon + Lion Capital (national emblem); Kushinagar = Mahaparinirvana
• Shravasti hosted Buddha for 24 rainy retreats; Jetavana monastery built by Anathapindika
• Piprahwa (Kapilvastu) yielded Buddha’s relics with Brahmi inscription
• Sankassa = descent from heaven; Kaushambi = major teaching centre
• Jain connections: Rishabhanath born in Ayodhya (1st Tirthankara), Parshvanath born in Varanasi (23rd)
• Deogarh has 31 Jain temples spanning 8th-17th century

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Summary Cheat Sheet