Buddhism had developed in India and Nepal with its philosophy spreading all around the world. Several ardent followers from all over the world have come down to visit holy sites of Buddhism to explore the roots of this religion. The most holy place in Buddhist tour is Lumbini, a place in Nepal where Gautam Buddha was born to a feudal king of the Sakya Dynasty. Lumbini is situated in the foothills of Himalayan Mountain which looks breathtaking being snow-clad and on the other hand stiff cliff and Tall Sal trees. Several shrines and temples have been built by the devotees of Buddhism at Lumbini.
Bodhgaya is another most holy place of Buddhism, as it is the place where Buddha achieved the Enlightenment by way mediation under the Bodhi tree. The place where Siddhartha Gautama became “Buddha” meaning “the awaken”. After his attainment of the Enlightenment, he started his quest again. This time he went to Sarnath, where he met his friends and followers. Here, he has delivered his first speech at Deer Park. The journey to this place has not only elevated the status of Buddha but also had influenced people to know the crux of the philosophy. The study of this Religion became a part of every student’s life at Nalanda University which was established about 5th century B.C.. It is where the popularity of Buddhism has arisen on account of brilliant scholars and philosophers who came and educated themselves with the preaching of Buddhism. However, it was destroyed by the invaders around 12th century, but it remains are still there lying as history of the bygone. Another most holy site to visit is Sanchi, which was established by King Ashoka who was one of the devoted disciples of Buddha.After teaching for 45 years of life, Buddha died at Kushinagar at the age of 80 years. Buddhism has not only left a great impact on people in India, Nepal and Bhutan, but also has influenced Southeast Asian countries and as well as the west. So, let’s visit these holy places and make it an indispensable part of your trip.
Buddhism has its roots in India and Nepal. Believers from all over the world now admire Buddhism and some of them are now ardent followers of Buddhism. The film Little Buddha is quite famous among the Buddhist believers. The four holy sites of Buddhism are mostly sought after by the Buddhism enthusiasts and followers who want to explore the pilgrimage sites related with important events of Lord Buddha. The sites are Lumbini in Nepal, Bodhgaya in Bihar, Sarnath and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh.Buddhism and its significance lies in the above mentioned places which have been made world heritage sites of our country. Lumbini, being the birthplace has become one of the holy pilgrimage sites. After his birth, it was predicted by wise men that Gautam Buddha would be a learned wise man at a very early age. However, Lord Buddha’s believed that he would be a great king, but the prophecy was proven right when Gautam let his wife and home at the age of 29 years in the search of spiritual enlightenment. Thereby, abandoning all the material pleasures.
Lord Buddha, while in his mission of attaining ultimate enlightenment, sat under the Holy Bodhi tree, meditating for several days and nights till he received the answers to his queries. He soon unfolded the eightfold path and the noble truths for the Purnirvana i.e. the Ultimate Enlightenment. Now, the bygone history of this place has made Bodhgaya a Holy Buddhist site for the Tourists and the scholars who come from all around the world.
Deer Park at Sarnath is also a holy Buddhist site where Lord Buddha met his five disciples. The importance of this place is marked in the history for Lord Buddha’s preaching of his first sermon to his ardent followers and the devotees. Gradually, his lectures regarding the Buddhist philosophy of self-mortification spread all around the country. At an old age of 80 years, Lord Buddha passed away leaving behind the impact of 45 years of his teachings at various places in India. Kushinagar is therefore another holy site where Lord Buddha has surrendered his last breath, which symbolically is known to as ‘Mahapanirvana’.
All the four sites of Buddhism have attractions. The main attractions are
