Ajita Kesakambali, One of the Six Heretics

Six Heretical Teachers / Image Credit 

A contemporary of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, Ajita Kesakambalin (“Ajita of the Hair-blanket)  is one of the Six Heretical Teachers who were opposed to his teachings. The other five were Pūraṇa Kassapa, Makkhali Gosāla, Pakudha Kaccāyana, Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta and Sañjaya Belaṭṭhaputta). 

According to Buddhism, Ajita Kesakambalin was a heretic whose beliefs were challenged and refuted by the Buddha who is said to have performed feats of levitation and other miracles (known as the Twin Miracle) due to challenge from these rivals. 

Ajita Kesakambalin is the earliest known proponent of complete materialism. He taught that pleasure is the chief end of life. According to him, “When the body dies both fool and wise alike are cut-off and perish. They don’t survive after death.”

According to Buddhist sources, Ajita founded a sect of monks. He is depicted as an ascetic dressed in human hair. Hence the name 'Ajita Kesakambalin'

It is not possible to pinpoint the exact influence of the tenets of Charvaka or Lokayata, as the materialist schools were called. However, they have been condemned in no uncertain terms in the Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina literature of the period. 

Sometimes these references contain an undertone of fear. This goes to show that Ajita was certainly one of the chief rivals to these sects for the allegiance of the adherents of this period.

 

Pragbodhi: Site of Buddha’s Meditation

View of the Dhungeswara_Hills / Image Credit

After renouncing his home life the event known as “Great Going Forth” (Mahabhiniskramana) in the Buddhist phraseology, Siddhartha Gautama began to lead a life of mendicancy, asceticism, and meditation. 

Approach Road To Dhungeswara Hills / Image Credit

Siddhartha learnt the technique of ecstatic mediation (samapatti) from a sage named Alara Kalama (first teacher of Gautama Buddha). 

During the period he practised most rigorous self-mortification. For six years, he tortured himself and his penances were so severe until he was nothing but a walking skeleton. 

One day, Siddhartha realized the futility of fasts and penances and began to beg food. Sujata, the daughter of a farmer, brought him a large bowl of rice boiled in milk.  After forty nine days, he became Enlightened- a Buddha at Bodh Gaya.  

12 Km from Bodh Gaya in the district of Gaya is located Pragbodhi hill where the Buddha had penanced in a cave for six years before he went to Bodh Gaya to gain Enlightenment. Pragbodhi, meaning ‘Prior to Enlightenment’, is now known as Dhungeswara hill. 

Emaciated Buddha Statue Dungeshwari Cave / Image Credit 

In the cave there is a gold covered image which portrays an emaciated look of Buddha due to fasts and penances. 

There are Buddhist stupas in the hills. The Chinese traveller and monk Chinese scholar and traveler Huen Tsang  who visited these stupas in the seventh century has referred to their  dedication by the Mauryan emperor Asoka to mark the footsteps of Siddhartha Gautama.  

Pragbodhi Buddha Cave / Image Credit

Centuries of neglect, these stūpas are in a deplorable condition and need protection and conservation.

Griddhakuta Hill, Vulture's Peak

 

Prayer at Griddhakuta Hills

The well-known Buddhist site of Griddhakuta Hill is deservedly an attraction in Rajgir not to be missed. During the rainy season the Buddha used to climb up to his mountain retreat atop the Griddhakuta Hill and deliver sermons to his disciples. 

The great Chinese traveler and Buddhist monk, Hiuen-Tsang, also known as Xuanzang, who visited the place in the 7th Century AD, had seen a stupa at Vulture's Peak where Buddha delivered the sermons. It was at Griddhakuta Hill where Magadhan emperor Bimbisar belonging to the Haryanka dynasty was converted to Buddhism by Buddha.  

Though you can reach the hill by following a bridle path, it would be an experience of a lifetime to use the aerial single-person chairlift. A ride on the chairlift commands a panoramic view of the hills of Rajgir and some Jain temples dotting the landscape.

The brilliant shine of the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), built on the top of the Griddhakuta Hill by the Buddha Sangha of Japan in 1965, is a feast for the eyes. 

Sanskisa: Staircase To Heaven

Sankissa / Image Credit 

Sankassiya (Sankisa Basantpur in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district) is the place where Gautam Buddha had descended from the Sineru mountain to earth after preaching  his mother Mayadevi and other divinities in the Trayastrimsa (Heaven).  

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed a ceremony in celebration of International Abhidhamma Divas (IAD) and recognition of Pali as a classical language.   

Abhidhamma Divas (IAD) commemorates the descent of Lord Buddha from the celestial realm of the thirty-three divinities (Tāvatiṃsa-devaloka) to Sankassiya, one of the ‘Eight Great Places’ (Ashtamahasthan) of the Buddhist pilgrimage. 

Sankassiya or Sankissa occupies a place of prominence in the history of Buddhism and is associated with several legends and myths related to the Buddha. Tradition has it that after preaching Abhidhamma to his mother Mayadevi and other divinities in the Trayastrimsa (Heaven) the Buddha descended from the Sineru mountain to earth at Sankisa.

Sankisaa finds mention in the travelogues of Fa-hsien and Hiuen Tsang who had visited the place in the fifth and seventh centuries AD respectively. Sanskisa was known to Huen Tsang as Kapittha.

Sanskisa's main attraction is the Buddha Temple located on the exact spot where the Buddha returned to the earth after his descent from the Trayastrimsa (Heaven). Enshrined in the Buddha temple is an image of the Buddha. Maya Devi Temple sculpted with mythological scenes from Buddhism is another attraction. 

A trip to Sanskisa is incomplete without having a glimpse of the ruins of Ashokan Pillar. What sets this Ashokan pillar from others is the presence of elephants on the top of the pillar in place of lions which are placed with other Ashokan pillars.

Abhidhamma Pitaka: Third Section of the Pali Canon 

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the last of three Pitakas that constitute to Pali Canon, one of the most popular scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.  

Abhidhamma And Pali 

Popular in ancient India, Pali was recently accorded Classical Language status by the Indian government. Pali is still the religious language of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and South-east Asia.

The story of the Abhidhamma and its profound teachings is deeply intertwined with the ancient Pali language, a sacred medium that has preserved the essence of Buddhist wisdom for centuries. 

Pali highlights its literary significance within Buddhism and Jainism. It is believed that this ancient language, shaped from various dialects, served as the vehicle for delivering Lord Buddha's teachings around 500 B.C., ensuring that his insights could resonate through time.

The entire body of Buddhist canonical literature is written in Pali, with the Tipitaka or "Threefold Basket" being its most notable collection. This includes the Vinaya Pitaka (rules of the order), which outlines ethical monastic rules, the Sutta Pitaka, a rich compilation of the Buddha's sermons on matters of doctrines and ethics, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which delves into metaphysics, psychology, and the intricate analysis of mind and reality. 

A rich commentarial tradition has developed around these texts, with works such as the Aṭṭhasālinī and Sammohavinodanī being crucial for understanding the nuanced teachings of the Abhidhamma, all composed in Pali.

Grand Raigad Fort: Capital of Shivaji

A replica of Raigad Fort has been made as backdrop at the venue of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadiya (now known as Ekta Nagar) in Gujarat to showcase the stories of incredible valour, heroic deeds and innovative warfare techniques of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Originally called Rairi,  the fort of Raigad is part of the 12 forts nominated by India for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  World Heritage under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”. 

Among the 12 nominated forts, Raigad is the classic example of Maratha architecture and best representation of the capital fort on a hill, well integrated with the physiography of the hill with the most developed typologies of structures within the fort.

Grant Duff (1789 – 1858), a British administrator-historian of the Maratha period, had compared Raigad to the Rock of Gibraltar and labeled Raigad as the Gibraltar of the East.

Why did Shivaji Maharaj select the Raigad Fort as the capital of the Maratha Empire?

According to Sabhasad Bakhar (Ancient letter),  Marathi language biography of Shivaji, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj observed the potential of the hill or Rairi, which has steep escarpment and is the tallest of all mountains and hills in the region. The seamless and unbroken nature of the rock was a great potential. The fort of Daulatabad is also a good fort, however, it is not as good as Raigad, as this is taller and better, hence will be most suitable as a capital and a throne for the king.”

Raigad, surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers, stands as an isolated massif without connections to neighbouring hills. Its impregnable nature, attributed to physiographic features like steep cliffs and 1500-foot escarpments, is underscored by innovative military defence tactics.

History of Raigad Fort

In 1653 CE, Raigad (then known as Rairi) was captured by the Maratha forces from the Mores. In order to make the fort worthy of being a capital, Shivaji Maharaj assigned the work of reconstruction of the fort to architect Hiroji Indulkar. Subsequently, on 6th June, 1674 CE a grand coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj was held on Raigad post, during which he attained the title of “Chhatrapati (Lord of the Umbrella, or king of kings)”. The fort served as the second capital of Shivaji and played an important role in the administration and expansion of the Maratha Kingdom.

The Raigad Fort stands as a silent reminder of Maharashtra's glorious past and it is identified as Durgaraj (king of forts). Various landmarks have lent it the credo of 'Shiva teerth'. The fort has attained the status of a holy shrine for the Shivbhakts as thousands of people throng the fort not only for its heritage character and it being a specimen of perfect defence architecture but also for being the seat of their role model, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is well known for valour, courage, administrative acumen, benevolence and patriotism. Anniversary of Shivrajyabhishek on the basis of Christian and Hindu calendars is celebrated with great enthusiasm which attract huge crowd from different parts of Maharashtra. Similarly, the death anniversary (punyatithi) of Shivaji Maharaj is also observed with great reverence.

It was here that Shivaji Maharaj had established his capital in the seventeenth century (1674 CE). Shivaji Maharaj had wrested the Fort from Chandrarao More, a jagirdar of the Adil Shah dynasty of the Bijapur Sultanate, in 1656 CE. It was considered most suitable for the capital of Hindvi Swaraj after due diligence and considering its strategic location and inaccessibility. The hilltop may only be accessed from one side of the hill. Shivaji Maharaj had ruled Hindvi Swaraj from Raigad Fort for six years till his death in 1680 CE. There is a Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort.

Raigad Fort is remarkable for magnificently designed gates, fortification walls and imposing monuments. It is quite unfortunate that except Shivaji Maharaj's Samadhi, Naqqar Khana, Sirkai Devi Temple, Jagadishwar Temple – a shrine dedicated to Lord Siva - most of the structures located within the fort, including the Hall of Public Audience (Rajsadar), Royal Complex, Queens' palace (Ranivasa), Bazarpeth, Manore (pleasure pavilions), Wadeshwar Temple, Khublada Burj, Massid Morcha, Nanne Darwaza are in a bad state of preservation.

The royal complex: The Royal Complex which includes Ranivasa, Rajsadar, Naqqarkhana, Mena Darwaza, and Palkhi Darwaja, is well-fortified and accessible only through three entrances: Naqqarkhana, Mena Darwaja, and Palkhi Darwaja. This fortified complex is commonly known as Balle Qilla (citadel). Adjacent to Balle Qilla are three elegant towers. One is located to the north, while the other two are situated to the east of the fortification wall. The three-storied towers (Manore) are highly ornate in design and appear to have originally served as pleasure pavilions. A toilet connected with proper drainage is noteworthy. An underground cellar (Khalbat Khana) is situated on the east, which was possibly used for secret meetings, personal worship, and also as a treasury.

Rajsadar (Hall of Public Audience):  This is where Shivaji Maharaj used to hold his court (darbar) to dispense justice on routine matters and to receive dignitaries and envoys. It is a rectangular structure facing east. It can be approached from the east through a magnificent gateway commonly known as Naqqarkhana. The gateway is a lofty three-storeyed structure facing the royal throne. While the topmost storey is built of bricks, the lower ones are constructed of stone blocks. It is believed that a royal band used to play at Naqqarkhana. It is an excellent example of architecture with astounding acoustic properties. The distance between Naqqarkhana and the royal throne is about 65 meters, yet even the slightest whisper can be heard clearly from both ends. Rajsadar is a mute witness to the joys, sorrows, anger, victories, administrative acumen, and overwhelming generosity of Shivaji Maharaj.

The main platform accommodates an octagonal meghdambari (ornate canopy) with a seated image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj raised over the original site of the throne. It has been recorded that the royal throne, studded with diamonds and gold, rested on eight columns of gold weighing almost 1000 kg. It also bore the royal emblem of Shivaji Maharaj. The umbrella over the throne was adorned with strings of precious stones and pearls.

Holicha Mal: It is located outside Naqqarkhana. It is a wide-open ground that was most likely used for the annual Holi festival. On the western periphery of Holicha Mal, there is a small temple dedicated to Shirkai Bhavani, the presiding deity of the fort. It is believed that the presiding deity was originally housed on a high stone plinth located in the southwest of Holicha Mal, which was later shifted to its current location. To the north of Holicha Mal, there is a spacious and well-laid-out parallel row of structural units, commonly known as Bazar Peth. Each unit in this complex features a veranda in front and two back-to-back rooms in the rear. The plinth and walls are constructed from semi-dressed basalt stone blocks and random rubble stones, with lime invariably used as mortar.

Jagadishwar Mandir: The temple, facing east, is rectangular on plan with a mandapa in front and sanctum sanctorum on the rear. The temple could be entered through a low-height entrance. The sanctum sanctorum has a Siva linga which is under worship even now. The interior walls of the temple are without any carvings. However, the projected superstructure is supported by elegantly carved brackets.

Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Adjacent to the Temple, the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is located almost opposite to the eastern entrance of Jagadishwar Mandir. Originally, the Samadhi had a low height octagonal platform only. But, sometimes in the beginning of the twentieth century not only the height of the platform was raised but a canopy too had been constructed at the same site.

At the foothills, near the Raigadwadi village, is located Chitta Darwaza. It is also known locally as Jit Darwaja. After trekking by foot for about 70-80 m, there exists Khoob Lada Burj. It is a strategically located tower from where anyone coming close to the fort could easily be spotted by the security personnel.

2024 Assembly Elections Results of Borio Assembly Constituency

While the BJP has fielded Lobin Hembrom as its candidate for the 2024 assembly election to the Borio assembly seat, which will be held on 20th November, Congress has nominated Dhananjay Soren.  

Contesting Candidates for Borio Assembly constituency Assembly Elections 2024 

Party	Candidate	Votes Polled
BJP	Lobin Hembrom
JMM	Dhananjay Soren

Reserved for the candidates belonging to the scheduled tribes in Jharkhand, Borio assembly constituency is currently represented by Lobin Hembrom who won the seat on the ticket of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in 2019.

 Electoral History of Borio Assembly Constituency

In 2005 and 2014 Borio seat was won by Tala Marandi on the ticket of BJP. Lobin Hembrom emerged victorious from the seat in 2000  and 2009 as candidate of JMM.  

Located in the Sahebganj district, Borio is one of the six assembly seats that combine to create the Lok Sabha constituency of the Rajmahal which is currently 

Other five assembly segments of the Rajmahal parliamentary constituency are Maheshpur, Rajmahal, Litipara, Barhait and Pakur.  

 

 

 

2024 Assembly Elections Results of Bokaro Assembly Constituency

While the BJP has fielded Biranchi Narayan as its candidate for the 2024 assembly election to the Bokaro assembly seat, which will be held on 20th November, Congress has nominated Shweta Singh who was also in the fray in 2019.  

Saroj Kumari of newly formed party Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM)  is contesting assembly election to Bokaro.  

Contesting Candidates for Bokaro Assembly constituency Assembly Elections 2024 

Party	Candidate	Votes Polled
BJP	Biranchi Narayan
Congress	Shweta Singh
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha	Saroj Kumari

Located in the district of the same name in Jharkhand, Bokaro assembly seat was won in 2019 by BJP's Biranchi Narayan for the second time.  

Electoral History of Bokaro Assembly Constituency 

Biranchi Narayan entered the legislative assembly of Jharkhand in 2014 by the winning the Bokaro seat which he again won in 2019. 

Israel Ansari of the Congress was the winner of the Bokaro assembly seat in 2005 when he defeated Ashok Chaudhary of the JD  (U) by a margin of 5041 votes.

Bokaro is one of the six assembly seats that combine to create the parliamentary constituency of the Dhanbad which is currently held by Dulu Mahato of the BJP. Other five assembly segments of the Dhanbad parliamentary constituency are Sindri, Nirsa, Dhanbad, Jharia and Chandankiyar.