Ashtamahasthanas
Also called: Eight great places of Buddhism · Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Ashtamahasthanas are the "eight great places" of Buddhism. Each is linked to a key event in the Buddha's life. Four are the core sites: Lumbini, where he was born; Bodh Gaya, where he attained enlightenment; Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon; and Kusinagara, where he attained nibbāna (final release at death). The other four are Shravasti, Sankassa, Rajgir and Vaishali, where well-known miracles or episodes are said to have taken place. Pilgrims have visited these places for centuries. Today India promotes them as part of its Buddhist tourist circuit.
Example
Shravasti is honoured for the "twin miracle" the Buddha is said to have performed there. Sankassa marks his return from heaven. Rajgir is where he is said to have calmed the wild elephant Nalagiri.
Don't confuse with
- The four great places (Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kusinagara): this is the shorter core list linked to birth, enlightenment, first sermon and death. The eight-place list adds four miracle sites to it.
Related concepts
- Gautama Buddha
- Sakya clan
- Kapilavastu
- Lumbini
- Great Departure
- Bodh Gaya
- Bodhi tree
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Kushinagar
- Mahaparinibbana Sutta