Buddhism is one of the most ancient, largest, and primitive religions in the world. This religion has been thriving in India since the 3rd century BC and a good number of Buddhists religious sites have been established in India which is thronged by thousands of Buddhists and people from different religions. Most of the youngsters are the followers of Lord Buddha and his disciplines and because of this, they come in a very large number to experience the serenity and the tranquility spread in the religious sites of Buddha. By visiting these Buddhist destinations, they want to attain the blessings of Buddha and also to utter the serenity, tranquility, peace, and religious significance of these sites.
Similar to the principles of the Great King Ashoka of India, teachings of Lord Buddha also became quite popular and took a great place in the heart of people not only of Buddhists but also of various other religions. One can find a number of Buddhist sites in almost most of the countries and India of those countries and it is said that the country is blessed with the teachings and the lifestyle of Lord Buddha as Gautam Buddha himself had walked on the pious lands of this country, preached his teachings personally to Indians and also attained Maha Nirvana on the Indian grounds. Scroll down the article and get to know about some of the most impressive Buddhist sites which one must visit on their Buddhist pilgrimage tours.
1- Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Site of Buddha’s Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- Mahabodhi Temple and Bodhi tree are major attractions.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich historical significance.
- International pilgrimage hub attracting Buddhists from around the world.
Inarguably, the most sacred and the important Buddhist site in India, Bodh Gaya is renowned as the center of Buddhism in the country as it houses the sacred fig tree under which Lord Buddha attained his self-enlightenment. This sacred has been holding a great significance in Buddhism since many centuries ago. Besides, the divine fig tree there is an ancient temple inside which a huge statue of Lord Buddha is installed. Bodh Gaya is also famous as education hub as there are institutions and training centers established inside the complex. It has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 2002. The jewel walk or the Chaukramama is a major attraction and must perform the ritual of this Buddhist site.
2- Sarnath
- Buddha’s first sermon was delivered here, teaching the Four Noble Truths.
- Dhamek Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa are key historical sites.
- Sarnath Museum houses important Buddhist relics.
- International monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions.
Almost 11 kilometers away from the main town of Varanasi, there is a sacred place which holds a belief and religious significance. Sarnath is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first teaching on wisdom in a deer park located in the city. Sarnath is believed to be one of the most important Buddhist sites in India. The site was discovered in the 3rd century BC and was erected by the Great King Ashoka. Chaukhandi Stupa and Dhamek Stupa are some of the major attractions of the site. Travelers visiting Sarnath can also explore Sarnath Museum and Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is some other attractions of this religious place.
3- Kushinagar
- Place of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana (final enlightenment).
- Reclining Buddha statue and Mahaparinirvana Stupa.
- International Buddhist temples from Thailand, Japan, and Myanmar.
- Sacred burial site of Lord Buddha, attracting global pilgrims.
The sacred place where Lord Buddha attained Mahanirvana, Kushinagar is located approx. 53 kilometers away from Gorakhpur which is the longest railway station in India. Mahanirvana is the highest level and stage of salvation. It houses a giant Stupa which is almost 50 feet tall and is established at the cremation place of Gautam Buddha. This ancient Stupa is home to a stunning idol of Lord Buddha installed in the reclining position. The beauty and charm of this ancient place is not only limited to this sacred Stupa as it also houses Watt Thai Temple, Chinese Temple which is designed with Chinese architecture, Japanese Temple which is reckoned for the statue of Lord Buddha made up of eight metals, and the Mathakuar Temple whose inscriptions on the walls and the black stone idol of Buddha are the other major attractions of the city.
4- Kapilvastu
- Buddha’s early years as Prince Siddhartha were spent here.
- Archaeological ruins of ancient palaces and stupas.
- Stupa Complex with inscriptions from the Kushana Dynasty.
- Close to Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace, forming an important pilgrimage circuit.
It is the place where Lord Buddha spent his 29 years of life and got a new name, Gautam Buddha. Before this, he was called as Prince Siddhartha. Kapilvastu is studded with various beautiful and ancient Stupas where some Archeological excavations where one can find a number of relics of Buddha. You can also visit the Stupa Complex and get to see some really beautiful inscriptions of the Kanishka of Kushana Dynasty and also called as Devputra. The other major attraction of Kapilvastu is the Palace Site which is dedicated to King Suddhodana who was the father of Lord Buddha. One can come to know about the life of his father and Lord Buddha by visiting this site.
5- Sankisa
- Buddha’s final sermon to his mother in heaven took place here.
- Ashoka Pillar with elephant carvings marks the site.
- Ancient monasteries and stupas are scattered throughout.
- Temple marking Buddha’s descent from heaven for his sermon.
Located in Uttar Pradesh, Sankisa is the other religious Buddhist site in India. It is believed to be the place Lord Buddha perched his last sermon to his mother in heaven. One can find the ruins of various monasteries and Stupas in Sankisa which is located 47 kilometers away from Farrukhabad. The city is also renowned and popular among tourists for housing the temple which is devoted to Ma Bisari Devi and also a pillar of Ashoka’s elephant. Also, you can visit the temple which constructed with a belief that Lord Buddha descended at this place from heaven. However, it is always worth to visit Sankisa but if you are visiting the place in the Shravan months then you can also witness Shravan Mela which is held annually.
6- Ladakh
- Rich Buddhist culture with monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis.
- Tibetan-style architecture in monasteries and shrines.
- Buddhist festivals like Hemis and Losar celebrate local traditions.
- Scenic beauty with monasteries nestled in the Himalayas, ideal for spiritual reflection.
The region where one can experience Buddhism majorly Ladakh houses numerous monasteries and monuments dedicated to Buddhism. You can get to know the dance forms, oral literature, festivals and fairs, and vivid art forms in Ladakh which is a beautiful region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh is known for its grand celebration of all special occasions whether it be a birth ceremony, marriage, and harvesting. All these occasions are said to be incomplete without feasting, dancing, and singing the folk songs. On your Ladakh tour, you can visit Thiksey Monastery, Hemis, Shey, Diskit Monastery, Alchi, Lamayuru, Spituk, Rangdum, and Phyang.
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