Itinerary of Mahavira (Being a Geography of the Towns of Monsoon Retreat of Mahavira)
By Otto Stein
Summary
The document discusses the towns mentioned in the Kalpa Sutra in relation to Mahavira's monsoon retreat and the geographical locations where he stayed or visited. The key towns include: 1. Asthikagrama: Previously known as Vardhamana, its significance is explained through a legend about a yaksa, Sulapani, who killed people and piled their bones at this location. 2. Campa: A city described in Buddhist literature, located near Bhagalpur, Bihar, it was the capital of the Anga kingdom. 3. Prsthicampa: Likely a higher part or "Acropolis" of Campa, possibly associated with ruins of a fort. 4. Vaisali and Vanijyagrama: Vaisali, a major site for both Buddhism and Jainism, has uncertain locations proposed by various scholars. Some theories place it in the Muzaffarpur district, while others suggest it could be in Chapra or other locations. 5. Rajagrha and Nalanda: Nalanda was a suburb of Rajagrha and grew into its own independent entity, known for its monasteries. 6. Mithila: Identified as a city of Videha, it remains a subject of scholarly debate regarding its exact location. 7. Bhadrika: A town located north of Benares, with references in the Mahavagga. It was mentioned as part of the Buddhist pilgrimage path. 8. Alabhika: Suggested to be identified with Alow or Navadevakula in Buddhist texts, with some scholars proposing it to be a town near modern Newal. 9. Paniyabhumi/Panitabhumi: Identification of this town remains unclear, but it seems to be located near Sravasti. 10. Sravasti: There is disagreement over the precise location, with various scholars presenting competing theories. 11. Papa: Known in Buddhist texts as the place where Buddha took his last meal, the town is likely represented by the modern village of Papdur in Bihar. The document highlights challenges in the geographical identification of these towns, with various scholars offering differing opinions on their locations. These towns played significant roles in both Jain and Buddhist religious history, offering a rich field of study for historians and archaeologists.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The document outlines the towns mentioned in the Kalpa Sutra as key locations in Mahavira's monsoon retreat, with each town holding significance in Jain and Buddhist traditions. The precise geographical identification of these towns, including Vaisali, Rajagrha, Mithila, and Sravasti, remains debated among scholars. The towns were vital to the historical and religious contexts of Mahavira's life and his teachings, with varying interpretations offered by different sources. While some locations like Pava and Bhadrika are more readily identified, others, like Paniyabhumi, remain uncertain. This scholarly discussion underscores the complexities of ancient Indian geography in religious texts.