Buddhist Major Destinations
Bodhgaya
A place where Lord Buddha left his foot steps nearly 2500 years ago while
travelling in the quest of enlightenment, Bodh Gaya resonates the silent
vibes of those sacred steps. Lord Buddha arrived here at the end of his
search of the most tranquil and serene place to start his meditation that
eventually led him to enlightenment.
Dharamshala
Dharamsala (Mcleodgani) is in Kangra District of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
This hill station with a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar range of the
Himalayas is the seat of his holiness, the Dalai Lama.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar is another Buddhist destination, worth a sincere admiration,
due to the serenity, rich history, and the splendid structures of Buddhist
root. 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.
Lumbini
The place is a blessed one for its serenity and the natural beauty, purely
coinciding to the perception of a place where the legend was born. One of
the Parinirvana places for Buddha, this place houses some of the best reminders
of Lord Buddha. Prominent among the structures is the Maya Devi temple and
the structures built by Ashoka later on.
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is another pilgrimage related to Buddhism, near Udaigiri and Khandigiri
caves, and has many significant Buddhist sculptures scattered around in
the hill range. The excavations have revealed the relation of this place
with the Gupta Dynasty, and this dates back to 6th Century AD. The huge
monastery that has been excavated is thought to be of Mahayana sect, showing
that Buddhism spread through these areas in the later part, especially due
to the influence of the great kings such as Ashoka and those of the Gupta
dynasty. There are also some other pieces of Buddhist origin in this place
including the monastery, stupas, chaityas etc.
Rajgir
Surrounded by five holy hills, the picturesque little town of Rajgir is
important for Buddhists as well as Jains. Here the two rock-cut caves were
the favourite retreats of the Buddha and it was on this hill that he preached
two of his most famous sermons. The nearest airport is in Patna (115 kms)
and the railhead is in Bhakhtiyarpur (54 kms). Rajgir is well connected
by good roads to Patna, Gaya, Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta).
Sarnath
Sarnath is, perhaps, the naturally most beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage, with
a calm and cool atmosphere that silently preaches tranquility and peace.
At a distance of only 10-km from the famous Hindu pilgrimage Varanasi; this
place has seen many great teachers give their valuable sermons.
Vaishali
Vaishali is also important for the matter that here, for the first time,
women were inducted into the Sangha. Gautam's (Buddha's childhood name)
foster mother Mahaprajapati Gautami had also joined the order at Vaishali
with other 500 Sakya-women.
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