The pitch for a Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in Haryana is drawing international attention. Senior Professor M Wijithadhamma Thero, chief incumbent of Wasantharama Temple, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka, and 200 Buddhist monks have requested CM Nayab Saini to launch the circuit on Buddha Purnima on May 1.
The signature campaign highlights the state's rich and largely unexplored Buddhist heritage, emphasising its association with the "charika" (travels) of Lord Buddha during which several fundamental teachings were delivered in the region.
Prof Wijithadhamma told The Tribune over the phone that he was delighted to read the rich Buddhist history of Haryana. "We have written to the CM. If the pilgrimage circuit is introduced, it will boost tourism and also serve as a beacon of hope, peace, and harmony for all humanity," he stated.
Some important sites are: Adi Badri; Chaneti Stupa; Asandh Stupa, one of the tallest stupas in the country; and Topra Kalan, associated with the Ashokan pillar and the largest Dharma Chakra.
Sidhartha Gauri, associated with an NGO Buddhist Form, said Vipassana meditation anciently called 'Mahasathipantana Sutra' was delivered on the land of Haryana by the Buddha himself. "Topra Kalan village of Yamunangar district is where it was delivered. The global importance of Haryana's heritage was further reinforced when PM Narendra Modi referred to the Topra Ashokan edicts during the G20 Summit in 2023," said Gauri.