Top Buddhist Destinations

1. Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple

Bihar is where the Buddha began his journey to enlightenment and it's possible to follow in his sacred footsteps. The most important Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world is Bodhgaya, where the Buddha became enlightened while meditating under a bodhitree. The magnificent Maha Bodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the spot. It's a sprawling and serene place to spend some time. Bodhgaya also has many Buddhist monasteries and temples, with varying architecture styles. If you're interested in Buddhism, you'll find plenty of courses and retreats on offer there.

Location: 110 kilometers (68 miles) south of capital city Patna.

Meditation and Buddhism Courses

You'll find plenty of meditation and Buddhism courses and retreats on offer in Bodhgaya. The Root Institute for Wisdom Culture offers introductory and intermediate meditation and philosophy courses, explained in the Tibetian Mahayana tradition, from October to March. Those interested inVipassana Meditation can learn it at the Dhamma Bodhi Vipassana Center. Ten day residential retreats start on the 1st and 16th of every month. Some monasteries also offer various Buddhism courses.

Festivals

The biggest festival in Bodhgaya is Buddha Jayanti, held on a full moon in May each year. The festival celebrates Lord Buddha's birthday. Other festivals in Bodhgaya include the annual Buddha Mahotsava, a three day celebration filled with cultural and religious activities.

2. Rajgir

Lord Buddha spent a number of years at Rajgir after becoming enlightened. Although a popular pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, Rajgir doesn't really get as much attention from foreign tourists as it deserves. A couple of days can be spent exploring the area, which has many historical sites, caves, shrines, and temple remains. One of the most popular things to do is take the aerial tramway/ropeway uphill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. Walk back down the hill and visit Vulture's Peak, where Buddha used to preach to his disciples. The view is noteworthy. Also of interest are the remnants of the ancient stone Cyclopean wall, constructed by Mauryanrulers, that used to surround Rajgir. Hot springs with medicinal properties attract many visitors but they're dirty and poorly maintained. An annual RajgirMahotsav classical music and dance festival takes place at the end of December. The Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Train includes Bodhgaya, Rajgir and Nalanda on its itinerary.

Location: 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Nalanda. Rajgir is best reached from either Patna or Bodhgaya.

3. Sarnath

At a distance of only 10-km from the famous Hindu pilgrimage Varanasi, after attaining Enlightenment the Buddha went to Sarnath.

Lord Buddha had visited Sarnath looking for his five companions who abandoned him in Rajgir while they deviated from the viewpoint of Lord Buddha on self-mortification.

Here in the Deer Park, he delivered his first sermon, set in motion the Wheel of Law (Maha-DharmachakraPravartan). The Emperor Ashoka (c 304 - 232 BC), who spread the Buddha's message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on the Buddhist trail. The ruins, the museum and temple are all within walking distance.

Attractions

Dhamekha Stupa: The stupa is the most impressive structure in Sarnath. Built around 500AD the excavations have revealed that some earlier construction was present at the site. The stupa is a place where one can see the devoted Buddhists circumambulating the structure,Ashoka might have built the stupa to earmark the Dharmachakrapravartana to five ascetics.

Chaukhandi: The first impression of the ancient Buddhism monuments while one enters Sarnath from Varanasi, this Chaukhandi was built to mark the meet of Lord Buddha with his five companions. Todar Mal added an octagonal tower to the structure to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Akbar to the city in 1588.

Asokan Pillar: This Pillar is the national emblem of India, presents a splendid representation of art during Ashoka's period, and the Asoka Wheel down the base adorns the Tricolor national flag. The pillar also records the visit of Ashoka to Sarnath. The year of his visit is said to be around mid 3rd century BC. It is interesting to note that at one time, the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath stood over 17 meters in height. Its capital with the four lions back to back that has been adopted as the official emblem of modern India can be seen in the museum at Sarnath. If you are in Sarnath, don't miss this pillar.

The Monasteries: The Buddhist temple built only in 1931, claims to have Buddha's original relics. Moreover, the temple houses some of the most interesting mural paintings depicting the story of Buddha's life.

4. Kushinagar

Kushinagar is another principal centre of Buddhism, worth a sincere admiration, is the place where Lord Buddha passed away at this place near the Hiranyavati River and was cremated at the Ramabharstupa. It was once a celebrated center of the Malla kingdom. Many of its stupas and viharas date back to 230 BC-AD 413. when its prosperity was at the peak. In 543 BC, on a full moon night of Magh the legend delivered lecture to his Sangha and declared that he is going to leave the mortal world soon enough.

The excavations led by general Cunningham has revealed some antique artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism. Kushinagar also expresses the common thread of all sects of Buddhism through its magnificent Viharas, Chaityas, temples and Tibetan monasteries. In ancient times, the town was also known as Kushinara and Kasia.

Attractions

Nirvana Stupa and Temple: This stupa made of bricks, excavated by Carlleyl in 1867, stands at a height of 2.74 meter. The excavations leading to the finding of the copper vessel and the Brahmi inscription on it proving the matter that Buddhas ashes were buried in the pace, made this place a suddenly important destination for all Buddhists devotees. Besides, the huge reclining statue of Buddha in the temple is also very attractive.

Mahaparinirvana Temple: This is more than 6 meters long statue of reclining Buddha. The image was unearthed during the excavations of 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue represents the dying Buddha reclining on his right side.

Wat Thai Temple: The unique temple, built to celebrate the victory of King Bhumibol's great accession of the throne, and the subsequent Golden Jubilee, is worth a watch, especially because of the innumerable trees that were planted here.Besides, there's the Chinese temple, the Meditation Park and an International Buddha trust, and the Birla temple to add charm to roaming around in the city.

Ramabhar Stupa: About 1.5 km away from Mahaparinirvana Temple, this large Stupa rises to a height of 49 ft. It marks the site where the Lord Buddha was cremated. In ancient Buddhist texts, this Stupa has been referred to as 'Mukut-BandhanVihar'.

Japanese Temple: A beautiful eight metals statue of the Buddha, which was brought from from Japan, can be visited here.

Excursions

Gorakhpur: Gorakhpur is an important Hindu destination, due to the numerous temples, including the Gorakhnath temple, the Vishnu temple, gitaVatika, Gita press, and the ArogyaMandir. Besides, there are important institutions of other religions such as the Imambara. The planetarium and the circuit house are also worth a visit.

Lumbini: This immensely important Buddhist pilgrimage, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is in Nepal, at a distance of 122 km from Gorakhpur, houses some of the most important artifacts of literature and art related to the life of Lord Buddha.

5. Sanchi

A small place in Madhya Pradesh, central India, Sanchi occupies a big space in the history of Buddhism. Located on the hilltop, Sanchi is a religious place with archaeological and historical significance, mostly related to the spread of Buddhism.

The Stupas: Sanchi is a home to numerous stupas. Built on the top of a hill, these stupas contains relics, mostly of the Buddha's disciples.

The Four Gate Ways: The four gateways, constructed in 35 BCE, are considered as the best Buddhist expression in the world. These gateways are covered with wonderful architectural carvings and depicts the stories related to the Buddha's life.

The Ashoka Pillar: The Ashoka pillar, which contains four lions like that of Sarnath is found in Sanchi as well. An excellent example of the Greco-Buddhist style, the pillar is also known for its exquisite construction and perfect structural balance.

6. Nalanda

Built on a hallowed site where the Buddha had often stayed, Nalanda is one of the world's oldest living cities. The Buddhist University of Nalanda, once the most prestigious center of learning in Asia, was built here. The evocative ruins of its monasteries and temples still convey a vivid impression of the serene and ordered life of contemplation and learning that prevailed here. Nalanda is located 14 kms. fromRajgir.

Nalanda is located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. It is well known as the ancient centre of learning which has the remains of the great Nalanda University and several monasteries and temples. Both Lord Buddha and Mahavira visited this place and it remained a renowned learning centre till 12th century. Kings of Gupta, Kushan and Palva dynasties were the chief patrons of the centre, who built several monasteries and temples. The famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang studied here and his documents provide details about the university.

Tourist Attractions in Nalanda

Nalanda University: The University was established in the 5th century BC and was one of the oldest Universities of the world. The ruins of the university are spread over an area of 14 hectares land with a number of temples and monasteries built by the contemporary kings.

Nalanda Museum: It was established in 1971 and houses many ancient manuscripts and Buddhist statues. The museum also contains several objects like coins, pottery, inscriptions of Maurya and Gupta period.

Surya Mandir: This famous temple is dedicated to the Sun God and has a number of statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Hieun Tsang Memorial Hall: The famous Chinese traveller who came to India in the 5th century AD and stayed in Nalanda for 12 years as a student and a teacher and studied the social and political conditions. The memorial hall was built in his memory.

7. Vaishali

The first republic of the world, Vaishali holds special significance for the Buddhist devotees. The ancient city of Vaishali was the place, where Lord Buddha had delivered his last sermons and announced His prospective mahaparinirvana that was to take place in Kushinagar. Known as a host to the second Buddhist council in 383 BCE, Vaishali is also a sacred place for the Jains as Lord Mahavira was born in Vaishali. 

Major Buddhist Attractions

Vishwa Shanti Stupa: The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, which is also known as the pillar of peace, is the most recent holy attraction for the Buddhists. Built jointly by the Indian and the Japanese government, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa is the highest stupa of the world.

Buddha's Stupas: The Buddha stupa I and II dates back to the 4th century BCE, built of bricks with a casket containing part of the ashes of Lord Buddha.

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