Sankassa
Also called: Sankisa · Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Sankassa (Sankisa) is a site in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Buddhist tradition says that after preaching to his mother in heaven, the Buddha came back down to earth here. It is one of the eight great places of Buddhism. It became a pilgrimage centre because of this miracle story.
Example
An Asokan pillar capital in the shape of an elephant has been found at Sankassa. It shows that the site was already honoured in the Maurya period. Later carvings show the Buddha coming down a ladder from heaven.
Don't confuse with
- Sarnath: Sarnath, near Varanasi, is where the Buddha gave his first sermon. Sankassa marks his descent from heaven.
Related concepts
- Gautama Buddha
- Sakya clan
- Kapilavastu
- Lumbini
- Great Departure
- Bodh Gaya
- Bodhi tree
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Kushinagar
- Mahaparinibbana Sutta