ABOUT THE
Attraction
Ahichchhatra (or Ahi-Kshetra) was the ancient capital of Northern Panchala, a northern Indian kingdom mentioned in Mahabharata. The remains of this ancient city have been discovered in Ramnagar in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh. Excavations have brought to life a brick fortification and continuity of occupation from a period before 600 BCE to 1100 CE.
It is said that Buddha had once visited the ancient fortress city of Ahichchhatra. Chinese Buddhist traveller Hiuen Tsang records that outside the town there was a serpent tank near which Buddha had
preached for seven days. The spot is believed to have been marked by a stupa built by Mauryan king Ashoka. As per Buddhist legends, a naga (snake) king converted to Buddhism and formed a canopy over Buddha’s head with his expanded hood. The nearest major city is Bareilly, 54 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Itkhori
Located in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, a number of historic artefacts have been excavated at Itkhori. Among the discoveries are 104 beautifully sculpted Bodhisattvas and four statues of Buddha sculpted on each side of a stupa-like structure.
Kaushambi
Located in Uttar Pradesh, Kaushambi was one of the places Lord Buddha had visited during his travels and have given many sermons.
Prabhosa
Prabhosa, just one kilometre away from Kaushambi, in Uttar Pradesh was known as Mankula during ancient times and it is said that Buddha made it his sixth monsoon retreat after attaining nirvana.