SSC CHSL 2025 PYQ — Question 99

The correct answer (Option 2) is Bodh Gaya.

• Information regarding this extremely significant phase of Siddhartha Gautama's (Lord Buddha's) life is provided below:

Siddhartha Gautama's Asceticism and Attainment of Enlightenment

• Location: Siddhartha Gautama undertook rigorous asceticism beneath a Peepal tree on the banks of the Niranjana River (a tributary of the Punpun), located in the Gaya district of Bihar. This site is now known as Bodh Gaya.
• Duration: He renounced his home (the *Mahabhinishkramana*) at the age of 29; after practicing asceticism at various locations for six years, he attained enlightenment at the age of 35.
• The Bodhi Tree: The tree beneath which he meditated is known as the 'Bodhi Tree.' It was only after attaining enlightenment that Siddhartha came to be called the 'Buddha' (the Enlightened One).

Historical Analysis of Other Options:

• (Option 1) Lumbini: Located in Nepal, this is the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
• (Option 3) Varanasi: Sarnath—situated near Varanasi—is the site where, following his enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon (*Dharmachakra Pravartana*) to five Brahmin ascetics.
• (Option 4) Ujjain: An ancient historical city, Ujjain is primarily renowned for Lord Shiva's Mahakaleshwar Temple and for having served as the residence of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka during his tenure as governor; however, it was not the primary center of the Buddha's ascetic practices.

A Quick Summary (Revision) of Questions Solved Thus Far:

• History: The Harappan site is situated on the banks of the Ravi River.
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• Science: A communication satellite is positioned at an altitude of 36,000 km.
• Current Affairs: The year 2025 has been designated (by the UN) as the International Year of Quantum Science.