Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)

by Samuel Beal | 1884 | 224,928 words | ISBN-10: 8120811070

This is the English translation of the travel records of Xuanzang (or, Hiuen Tsiang): a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the seventh century. This book recounts his documents his visit to India and neighboring countries, and reflects the condition of those countries during his time, including temples, culture, traditions and fest...

Chapter 12 - Country of Kiu-pi-shwang-na (Govishana)

Note: The ancient city of Goviśana represents the old fort near the village of Ujain, according to Cunningham.[1]

This kingdom is about 2000 li in circuit, and the capital about 14 or 15 li. It is naturally strong, being fenced in with crags and precipices. The population is numerous. We find on every side flowers, and groves, and lakes (ponds) succeeding each other in regular order. The climate and the products resemble those of Mo-ti-pu-lo. The manners of the people are pure and honest. They are diligent in study and given to good works. There are many believers in false doctrine, who seek present happiness only. There are two saṅghārāmas and about 100 priests, who mostly study the Little Vehicle. There are thirty Deva temples with different sectaries, who congregate together without distinction.

Beside the chief town is an old saṅghārāma in which is a stūpa built by King Aśoka. It is about 200 feet high; here Buddha, when living, preached for a month on the most essential points of religion. By the side is a place where there are traces of the four past Buddhas, who sat and walked here. At the side of this place are two small stūpas containing the hair and nail-parings of Tathāgata. They are about 10 feet high.

Going from this south-east about 400 li, we come to the country of O-hi-chi-ta-lo (Ahikṣetra).

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Julien restores Kiu-pi-shwang-na to Goviśana. Cunningham is satisfied that the old fort near the village of Ujain represents the ancient city of Goviśana. This village is just one mile to the east of Kāśipur. Hwui-lih does not mention this country, but reckons 400 li from Matipura to Ahikshetra in a south-easterly direction. This distance and bearing are nearly correct.

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