On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c13.s3: Ku-P'I-Sang-Na (Goviśana)
On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c13.s3
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Ku-P'I-Sang-Na (Goviśana)
v1.c13.s3.1
From Matipur the pilgrim continued his journey, he goes on to state, travelling south-east for above 400 *li* to the country of Ku-p'i-shuang(or sang)-na. This country was above 2000 *li* in circuit; and its capital, which was 14 or 15 *li* in circuit, was a natural stronghold. There was a flourishing population: everywhere was a succession of blooming woods and tanks: the climate and natural products were the same as those of Matipur. The people had honest sincere ways, they applied themselves to learning and were fond of religious merit: most of them were non-Buddhists, and sought the joys of this life. There were two Buddhist monasteries with above 100 Brethren all Hinayānists. Of Deva-Temples there were above 30, and the sectarians lived pell-mell. Close to the capital was an old monastery in which was an Asoka tope to mark the spot at which the Buddha preached for a month on religious essentials. Beside this were sites of the sitting places and exercise grounds of the Four Past Buddhas, and two topes with hair and nail relics of the Julai.
v1.c13.s3.2
For the *Ku-p'i-sang-na* of our pilgrim's text Julien suggests *Govisana* as a possible restoration, and Saint-Martin proposes *Govisāna*, but a word like *Govisanna* would be nearer the Chinese sounds. Cunningham thinks that the capital of this country was on the site of "the old fort near the village of Ufain which is just one mile to the east of the modern Kāshipur". The country he thinks, "must have corresponded very nearly to the modern districts of Kāshipur, Rāmpur, and Pilibhit".¹ The Fang-chih here agrees with the Records, but the Life does not mention the journey from Matipur to Govisana.
v1.c13.s3.3
¹ A. G. I. p. 357.
v1.c13.s3.4
For the words "religious essentials" in the penultimate sentence of the above passage the original is *chu-fa-yao* (諸法要), which may also be translated "the essentials of things". These words are rendred by Julien— "les vérités les plus essentielles de la loi".