Kesariya (Kesaputta)

Location

Latitude & Longitude: 26 degrees 19'58.55" N 84 degrees 51'18.17" E


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Areas suitable for Meditation

Areas suitable for Meditation The stupa at Kesariya is surrounded by paths and grassy areas and trees that might be suitable for meditation. However, the complex is open for people to wander in, and some of the local staff can be aggressive in seeking Baksheesh even during ceremonies such as circumambulation. Their behavior can at times be intimidating when applied to lone or isolated pilgrims.

Overall Comments

Kesariya (note the identical root used in modern and ancient times) has a huge stupa commemorating the utterance of Kalama Sutta, and the gift of the Buddha's bowl before his Parinibbana. It reminds us of Borobudur in that there is a well-excavated side of the stupa where you can see what's left of 5 tiers of Buddha rupa (now reduced to torsos and legs). You have to stand way way back to be able to see these residual rupa. Many visitors did not go far enough, and likely saw primarily five tiers of bricks.

Suttas

3D Photosynth Photo Panoramas

Note that these panoramas depict the subject in 3 dimensions. Viewing these panoramas requires Microsoft Silverlight; click 'ok' if you are asked to install it. If you do not have access to Silverlight, you may still be interested in my regular photographs of Buddhist sites in India (located on Panoramio)

Sites at locations visited by the Buddha

Boldface entries indicate specific locations used intensively or mmost strongly associated with the Buddha

Other References

Wikipedia entry on Kesariya

Visitors here may also be interested in my evolving pilgrims' guide to Indian Buddhist Sites, 3D panoramas from other Indian Buddhist sites, and regular photographs of Buddhist sites in India (located on Panoramio), as well as my photosynths of Buddhist art from India.

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