5 Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites To Visit In India

A journey to the spirituality of Buddhist pilgrimage destinations will leave you perplexed. The Buddhist pilgrimage is not solely about religious activities or spiritual beliefs. Instead, it is also about embracing the teachings, social interaction, and developing one’s inner strength. There are many pilgrimage destinations in India that you should visit. Monasteries and pilgrimage centers are the best places where the purest forms of Buddhism can surround you.

# Lumbini

It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. He was born around the 6th or 7th centuries BC. Lumbini, the Buddhist pilgrimage site, is located in Rupandehi’s Kapilvastu district. It is also close to India’s border. For Hindus who believe that the Buddha is one of many manifestations of Vishnu, it is a place of pilgrimage. This site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lumbini is a popular pilgrimage spot.

# Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is a village located in Bihar state. It is located west of the Phalgu River. This is where Siddhartha Gautam, a Buddha, reached enlightenment. The pipal tree was later known as the bodhi or bodhi tree. Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple is home to the Bodhi tree, considered the most sacred place for Buddhists. There are numerous monasteries and temples in this area.

# Sarnath

Sarnath is located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi. It is near the Ganges River and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the four most sacred sites in the entire world. It is where Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma when he was enlightened. He traveled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath to search for his ascetics companions, who had been practicing austerities along with him. These men were found by Buddha, who then preached his first discourse to them in the deer park. These men were also enlightened. This is also where the Sanga, the first monk community, was founded. Sarnath’s most prominent monuments include the Dhamek Stupa, which Ashoka built.

# Kushinagar

Kushinagar is one of four holy Buddhist sites in India. It is where Buddha died at the age of 81. Here is where Buddha taught his final lesson, “All things must come to an end.” All things are subject to decay. This area is home to the Rambhar Stupa, which was built in the same spot as Buddha’s place. A Mahaparinirvana Temple is also located here. There are also many shrines, temples, stupas, shrines, and a museum. It is one of India’s most important Buddhist sites.

# Shravasti

Shravasti is a famous Buddhist spot in India, and it is well-known. This place, located around 330km away from Lucknow. It is known as the ancient capital of the Koshal kingdom. This is where you will find the famous Stupas. These include “Kacchi Kuti” and “Pakki Kuti.” It also contains the monastery, where Lord Buddha spent many years.