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Buddhist Sites in India and Nepal

Buddhist Sites in India

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 26 centuries ago in what is now Nepal and northeastern India. He came to be called “the Buddha,” which means “awakened one,” after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. In English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is bodhi, “awakened.”

In the remaining years of his life, the Buddha traveled and taught. However, he didn’t teach people what he had realized when he became enlightened. Instead, he taught people how to realize enlightenment for themselves. He taught that awakening comes through one’s own direct experience, not through beliefs and dogmas.

In the centuries following the Buddha’s life, Buddhism spread throughout Asia to become one of the dominant religions of the continent. Estimates of the number of Buddhists and Buddhist Itinerary in the world today vary widely, in part because many Asians observe more than one religion, and in part because it is hard to know how many people are practicing Buddhism in Communist nations like China. The most common estimate is 350 million, which makes Buddhism the fourth largest of the world’s religions.

Places Associated with Buddha’s Life

Lumbini (Nepal) : Birthplace of the Buddha

Bodhgaya : Site of Buddha’s enlightenment

Sarnath : First turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Rajgir : Second turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Sravasti : Teachings in the Jetavana Grove

Sankashya : Where Lord Buddha descended from Tushita Heaven

Nalanda : Site of the great monastic university

Kushinagar : Where Buddha entered mahaparinirvana

Ajanta Caves

Dharamshala

Sanchi

Kapil Vastu

Vaishali

LUMBINI

The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, is the Mecca of every Buddhist, being one of the four holy places of Buddhism. Lumbini now is in Nepal and most popular Buddhist Sites in Nepal. It is said in the Parinibbana Sutta that Buddha himself identified four places of future pilgrimage: the sites of his birth, enlightenment, first discourse, and death. All of these events happened outside in nature under trees. While there is not any particular significance in this, other than it perhaps explains why Buddhists have always respected the environment and natural law.

Sightseeing

The main area is known as the “Sacred Garden.” It only takes a couple of hour to see everything. Most people, who come here, visit for the day from Bhairawa. The best time to visit Lumbini is the early morning or late afternoon, and the hot mid-afternoon is best avoided.

The Rummendei pillar
Three hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana, Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and erected a pillar there. This pillar, though broken, still remains at the site. It is known as the Rummendei pillar after the earlier name of the place (modern name Rupandehi) in Nepal.

Maya Devi Temple
The central focus at Lumbini is the Maya Devi temple. A stone relief (probably 2nd century AD) shows her giving birth to the Buddha watched by the two Hindu gods Brahma and Indra. The area is currently being developed into a Sacred Peace Garden spread over 8 sq. km. along with the building of several stupas and monasteries by Buddhist traditions from all over the world. The Ashokan Pillar stands out quite clearly and is surrounded by the ruins of four stupas.

On the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maha Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. By the side of the Ashoka pillar there is a river which flows southeast and is locally called the ‘OL’ river. In 1996, an archaeological dig unearthed a “flawless stone” placed there by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the precise location of the Buddha’s birth more than 2,600 years ago, if authenticated, the find will put Lumbini even more prominently on the map for millions of religious pilgrims.

Recently, several beautiful shrines have been built by devotees from Buddhist countries. A visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one gets in such a calm and peaceful place.

Niglihawa
Some of the very valuable archaeological finds (Dating 3rd century B.C) have been unearthed at Niglihawa. Positioned to the northeast of Tilaurakot, this place encompasses a quadrangular tank, two broken pieces of another Ashokan Pillar. The pillar dedication commemorates Ashoka’s visit to the place.

Sagarhawa
Identified by Archaeologists as the “Palace of Massacre of the Shakyas”, the ruins of an ancient water tank were excavated in the forest of Sagarhawa. It lies to the northwest of Niglihawa.

Aroarakot
This place once had a walled rectangular fortress. The citadel was Buddha’s natal town. Laying to the northeast of Niglihawa, here you can find remains of ancient moat and brick fortifications reminding you of its glorious past.

Location
In the foothills of the Himalayas Lumbini is a small village in Nepal, 27 kms from Sonauli on the India – Nepal border.

How To Reach

Air : The closest airport is at Bhairawa, Nepal, from where there are regular flights to and from Kathmandu. The nearest airhead in India is at Varanasi (323 kms), where you can

Rail : The nearest railhead is at Gorakhpur (India) 123 km away.

Road : There is twice hourly minibuses service from Bhairawa (2 hr), which is 22 km away. From where the buses let you off, you have to walk a kilometer. The last bus back is about 5 pm. Buses from Bhairawa leave from near the main intersection, across the street from the Hotel Yeti. Also, buses ply up to the Indian side of the border, from where the passengers have to disembark and take another bus after crossing the border post.

BODHGAYA

Bodhgaya is one of the most significant India Buddhist pilgrimage centre of the world for being the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment.

The four important places associated with the life of Gautam Buddha are Lumbini, in Nepal, where he was born, Bodhgaya where he attained enlightenment, Sarnath or Isipatan near Varanasi where he delivered his first sermon and Kushinagar near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, where he left his mortal body. Of all these places Bodhgaya has its own spiritual significance. It is considered as the holy land where prince Siddhartha Gautam became the enlightened Gautam Buddha. Bodhgaya is more of a working Buddhist center, which attracts people from all over the world who come here to learn about Buddhism and meditation.

Sightseeing

Bodhgaya has many significant things associated with the life of Buddha. One of the central point and prime attraction of the place is the Mahabodhi temple which is built at the place the Buddha gained enlightenment. This temple stands adjacent to the descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha mediated to gain knowledge.

The Bodhi Tree
is considered to be among the oldest and the most venerated tree in the world. The present tree is considered only as the descendant of the original tree. Bhikkhuni Sangamitta, daughter of Ashoka, took a shoot of the original Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. where the Lankan king Devanampiya Tissa planted it at the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura where it still flourishes today. A cutting from it was carried back to Bodhgaya when the original tree died. The Bodhi tree, closely linked to the Buddha’s accomplishment is much sought after among the pilgrims visiting the place. Pilgrims consider the Bodhi Tree’s seeds and leaves as blessings for their monasteries and homes.

Vajrasan
or diamond throne is a red sandstone slab under the tree on which Buddha sat while mediating.

The Mahabodhi Temple
It is believed that 250 years after the enlightenment of Buddha, Maurya king emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya and built a small shrine at the spot where Buddha had attained enlightenment. Thus emperor Ashoka is considered as the original founder of the Mahabodhi temple.

The Mahabodhi Temple constructed in the 7th century A.D. has had repairs and renovations from time to time. It has a long history that has seen periods of invasions and destruction. Muslim invaders destroyed the temple in the 12th century but the Burmese kings restored the temple in the 14th century. However, the temple complex was severely flooded and remained buried under silt till 1811. The temple finally received its last and massive restoration and conservation work after it was excavated in 1861 on the recommendation of Alexander Cunningham, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India.

In 1891 a Srilankan Buddhist, Anagarika Dharmapala, founded the Mahabodhi Society of India to reclaim the Mahabodhi temple for the Buddhists which till then had experienced considerable Hindu control over it. Finally on 23rd May 1953, the temple was handed over to Dr S. Radhakrishnan, the then Vice President of India.

The Mahabodhi Temple Architecture
Situated about 13 kms from Gaya, it is one of the important places of worship for the Buddhists. The temple is 15m in length as well as in breadth and its height is 52m. It consists of a high pyramidal spire crowned by a miniature stupa and a chhatravali on a platform. A double flight of steps led up to the platform and the upper sanctum. The moldings on the spire contained Buddha images in niches. On its four corners are four towers rising gracefully, giving the whole structure a balanced look.

In the main sanctum there is a huge gilded image of the Buddha in the “touching the ground pose”, ‘Bhumisparsha mudra’. The image faces the east and it is believed that Buddha attained supreme enlightenment in this posture. This image is said to be 1700 years old. A chamber at the top has a figure of Buddha’s mother, Mayadavi.

The courtyard of the Mahabodhi temple consists of large number of elegant looking Stupas of different sizes. Towards North of the Bodhi Temple is Chankamana -a platform with foot impressions of Buddha. Also significant is Animeshlocha Stupa, which is believed to be the place where Buddha spent one week looking towards the great Mahabodhi Tree out of gratitude, without blinking his eyes. The temple has ancient railings as old as the first century BC. Near the Mahabodhi temple there are many temples built by various nations like the Tibet temple, the Japanese, the Thai, the Lankan and the Bhutan temple.

Around the Bodhi tree and the Mahabodhi temple there are quadrangular stone railings around 0.2m high with four bars including the top piece. They are depict two different styles and were made in two different eras. The older set is dated to about 150 BC and made of sandstone while the latter probably belongs to the Gupta period (300-600 AD) and constructed from course granite. The older set has a number of designs representing scenes from the purchase of Jetavana by Ananthapindika at Sravasti, Lakshmi being bathed by elephants, Surya riding a chariot drawn by four horses, etc. On the latter there are figures of stupas, Garudas, etc. The meditation- park is a new addition in the temple complex inaugurated by His Holiness Dalai Lama. The atmosphere inside the temple compound is of peace and serenity. People from all walks of life and religion come here to worship and admire the temple.

UNESCO has declared Maha Bodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya (Bihar) as a world heritage site. Entry is free for all. The timings are from 6 am to 12 noon and from 2 to 6.30 pm. A small sum of Rupees five is charged for taking cameras inside.

Monastries
The temples or monastries built by other Buddhist countries like Thailand, China, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Taiwan, Bhutan etc are made in their typical representative architectural style and are a great attraction to the tourists. The Tibetan and monasteries were built way back in 1934 and contain a large prayer wheel. The Japanese temple has a large image of Buddha brought from Japan. The Tai Bodhi Kham Monastery was built by Buddhist tribes from Arunanchal Pradesh and Assam.

The Archeological Museum
Can also be visited for its collection of Buddha figures and pillars found in the area. It remains open from 10 am to 5pm,Saturday to Thursday. There is also a Hindu Shankararacharya Math, which owns a temple in Bodhgaya that has a sculpture gallery. Across the Falgu River there are two temples called the Dungeshwari and Suraya temple, which can be visited.

How To Reach

By Air : Gaya is the nearest airport from Bodh Gaya. It is located at a distance of 17 kilometers. Various domestic airlines operate from Gaya to other metro cities of India. You can also land at Patna and board taxis and buses to reach Bodh Gaya which is around 135 kilometers from Patna.

By Rail : A good railway network connects Bodh Gaya with other major cities of India. A whole range of trains is available to reach Bodh Gaya. Gaya is the nearest railhead to Bodh Gaya at the distance of 17 kilometers. Besides ordinary trains, Indian Railway has introduced a Bodh Gaya special ‘Buddha Parikrama Express’ specifically meant to cater Buddhist spiritual tourists. The train links all the important places relevant to Buddhists.

By Road : Besides a good network or railway tracks, Bodh Gaya is well connected by roads to various cities of India. Gaya is the nearest transport hub which is connected with Grand Trunk Road and from where you can catch direct busses to reach Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi.

SARNATH

After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya the Buddha went to Sarnath; and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park to set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the most holy sites as in this place the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed.

At this place, the Buddha encountered the five men who had been his companions of earlier austerities. On meeting the enlightened Buddha, all they saw was an ordinary man; they mocked his well-nourished appearance. “Here comes the mendicant Gautama,” they said, “who has turned away from asceticism. He is certainly not worth our respect.” When they reminded him of his former vows, the Buddha replied, “Austerities only confuse the mind. In the exhaustion and mental stupor to which they lead, one can no longer understand the ordinary things of life, still less the truth that lies beyond the senses. I have given up extremes of either luxury or asceticism. I have discovered the Middle Way”. Hearing this the five ascetics became the Buddha’s first disciples.

A Monastic tradition flourished for over 1,500 years on the site of the deer park at Sarnath. In the third century BC Ashoka erected a column 15.24 m in height which had four lions as its capital which is now treasured in the archaeology museum. The lion symbolises both Ashoka’s imperial rule and the kingship of the Buddha. The four-lion capital was adopted as the emblem of the modern Indian republic. The last and largest monastery constructed before the Muslim invasion was Dharma-Chakar-Jina Vihar, erected by Kumardevi, wife of King Govinda Chandra, who ruled over Benares during 1114 to 1154. In 1194 AD, Kutubuddin Aibak, the Muslim conqueror, leveled the city to the ground. Sarnath became a forest of debris below which the historical ruins remained buried. Of the two great stupas which adorned the city only the Dhamekha remained which is of the 6th century.

The Dhamekha Stupa

This is the most conspicuous structure at Sarnath. Colonel Cunningham bore a shaft from the top centre of the stupa and discovered a stone tablet on which an inscription is written with the word Dhamekha, and mentions that this is the spot where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Dhamekha seems to be a distorted form of Dharma Chakra which means turning the wheel of the Dharma. It is also said that at this spot the five ascetics who left Gautama Buddha in Bodh Gaya used to live in huts. The original stupa was constructed by Ashoka. The present size of the stupa is 31.3 m high and 28.3 m in diameter. The lower portion of the stupa is covered completely with beautifully carved stones. The design consists of a broad band of Swastika (fylfot) carved in different geometrical patterns with a finely chiselled lotus wreath, running over and below the swastikas.

The Dhamekha stupa is considered to be the sacred place where the voice of Buddhism was first heard. Many dignitaries of Buddhist countries visit this place for circumambulation of this sacred stupa and to worship the Buddha. Tibetans Buddhist circumambulate it chanting the mantra ‘Om mani padme hum’. The first discourse of the Buddha was on the ‘Wheel of Law’. The wheel symbolises samsara (world), the eternal round of existence which goes on and on, life after life because of ceaseless cravings and desire.

How To Reach

Sarnath being an important pilgrimage and tourism destination is well connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh and India. The place is a hot tourism destination and has a well-maintained infrastructure.

By Air : The nearest airport from Sarnath is Varanasi. Varanasi Airport at Babatpur is near about 30 kilometers from Sarnath. The airport is well connected to other cities in India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Chennai and Bangalore through a range of flights operated by both private as well as public carriers.

By Rail / Train : Sarnath itself has a railway station that is connected to Varanasi and Gorakhpur by passenger trains. Nevertheless, Varanasi Cantonment railway station that is near about 10 kilometers from Sarnath is a better option when it comes to connectivity. Varanasi station is well connected to other cities in Uttar Pradesh.

RAJGIR

Rajgir, situated 60 kms from Patna has got its name from Raj Griha meaning abode of the king. It is one of the most famous pilgrimages of Buddhists in India. Its craggy peaks and sheer mountains, dry forests and silent ruins evoke memories of the Buddha at almost every turn. The city was the entity of Magadh Empire. Lord Buddha lived for 12 years in the city. It was Rajgir that lord Buddha delivered some of his legendary sermons. Rajgir has witnessed a glorious and legendary past. The city is also renowned for its health and winter resort with its warm water ponds.

Sightseeing

Griddhakuta or Venture’s peak
This is the place where Lord Buddha set in motion his second wheel of law. This was there for three months even during the rainy season. Also, he preached many sermons at this place. Buddha gave here the two important sutras the Lotus sutra and Prajnaparamita.

Shanti Stupa
The Buddha Sangh from Japan has constructed a modern stupa, which is known as Vishwa Shanti Stupa, at the top of the Ratnagiri hills in his commemoration. A bridle path leads up to the hill but if you want to have fun then go by the Aerial Chair lift which works everyday except of Thursdays.

Ajatasatru fort
The remains of the fort made by the King of Megadh in 6th century B.C can be seen in the town. The ruins of Ajatasatru stupa has also been found by the archeologists. This protects the Magadh share of Buddha’s leftovers.

Venuvana
This is the monastery made by King Bimbisara and was gifted to the Lord Buddha on his arrival in Rajgir after his enlightenment. The monastery was the first offering to Buddha by the king of Magadh.

Bimbisara Jail
This is the jail where Ajatasatru kept his father Bimbisara in imprisonment. The King Bimbisara himself chose this place as the place of his confinement. So that he could see Lord Buddha climbing up his mountain retreat atop the Griddhakuta hill.

Karanda Tank
The tank in which Lord Buddha used to take bathe.

Swarn Bhandar caves
These two strange caves have been concaved out of a single substantial rock. One of the compartments is believed to be the guard rooms. The rock has one horizontal line and the rear wall has two straight vertical lines. The doorway is supposed to lead the King Bimbisara treasury. It is also believed that the writing found in the sankhalipi or the shell script gives the clue to the open doorway, which is engraved into the wall. The treasure according to the myths is still intact.

The cyclopean wall
This 40 Km wall used to encircle the whole of the ancient Rajgir. The wall is one of the pre Mauryan stone constructions to be ever found. The wall is made of the substantial stones carefully fitted together. At exist of Rajgir to Gaya, the traces of the wall can still be seen.

Hot Springs
These are warm water ponds at the foot of the Vaibhava hill. To approach to various temples a staircase which leads to up side has been made. There are separate bathing places for males and females. The water into the pond comes through the spouts of saptdhara, the seven streams, believed to find their source at the ‘Saptaparni Caves’, up in the hills. Brahmakund is considered as the hottest spring with temperature of 450 degree Celsius.

Pippala Cave
On the hills of Vaibhava, just above the hot spring is a rectangular stone carved tower which appears that it must be used as a watch tower. The name Pippala cave has been given Pippala since it became the resort of pious hermits. The place is also known as ‘Jarasandh Ki Baithak’.

Jivakameavan Gardens
Lord Buddha was brought to this dispensary of Jivaka for the dressing of his wound, who was a royal physician in the rein of Ajatasatru and Bimbisara.

How To Reach

By Air : Gaya is the nearest airport from Rajgir. There are frequent flights from Gaya to other metro cities of India. You can get down at Gaya and from there board buses or taxis for Rajgir. Other than Gaya, Patna airport is another good option. Patna is well connected with other metro cities of India and some major cities of world.

By Rail : Rajgir railway station is linked with other cities by a whole range of trains. The place is well linked with Gaya and from Gaya you can board trains for Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. After getting down at Gaya, which is just 34 kilometers away, you can hire taxis for Rajgir.

By Road : Rajgir is linked with most of the cities of Bihar by road network.

SARVASTI

Located in the fertile Gangetic plains in the present day’s Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh, Sravasti or Savatthi was the town that has the honor for sheltering Buddha for 25 rainy seasons in the Jetvana Gardens. The capital of the Kosala Mahajanapada, Sravasti was one of the biggest towns in the Gangetic plains during the Buddha’s lifetime. It is here that the Buddha is said to performed the only miracle of his life in response to a challenge from six non-believers. According to the legend, the Lord confounded his critics by making them witness a miraculous million-fold self-manifestation seated on a thousand-petalled lotus, as fire and water emanated from his body.

The city founded by king Sarvast has age-old stupas, majestic monasteries and several temples. However, it is more popularly known as the place from where the Buddha started his preaching and expounded a major part of the Tripitakas At Sarvasti tourists can visit the Jetavana Garden where the famous Anand Bodhi tree, an offspring of the one, said to have been planted by Buddha’s main disciple Anand is located. Also located within the precincts of the garden are the ruins of Anandakuti and Gandhakuti. It was here that the Lord stayed during his many visits to Jetavana Vihara.

A magnificent, seven-storied vihara, said to have been built by Sudatta or Anathapindika (the incomparable alms giver) who was a disciple of the Buddha is also located nearby as are the Sri Lanka, Chinese, Myanmarese (Burmese) and Thai monasteries and temples. Also worth seeing is the park with a large bell donated by Japanese pilgrims. Pakki Kuti said to be Angulimala’s Stupa and Kachchi Kuti, identified as Sudatta’s Stupa is the other attractions of Sarvasti. Besides being an important Buddhist pilgrimage, Sravasti is also an important Jain religious centre as the Jain Tirthankara Mahavira had visited this place many times.

How To Reach

By Air : The nearest airport from Shravasti is Lucknow. Lucknow Airport is near about 170 kilometers from Sravasti. The airport is well connected to other cities in India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Chennai and Bangalore through a range of flights operated by both private as well as public carriers.

By Train : The nearest railhead is Balrampur that is 17 Kilometers from Sravasti. Nevertheless, Gonda railway station that is also nearby is a better option when it comes to connectivity. Gonda station is well connected to other cities in Uttar Pradesh and India such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Lucknow, Bangalore and Ahmedabad etc.

By Road : Sravasti is well connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh by roadways. The nearest mega terminus is at Gonda that is 50 kilometers from the downtown Sravasti. Gonda in turn is well connected to cities like Lucknow, Bareilly, Kanpur, Allahabad, Agra and Mathura.

SANKASYA

At Sankasya, the Buddha is believed to have descended to the earth from the Trayastrimsa Heaven (Heaven of the Thirty-three Gods) after preaching to His mother and other Gods. This event is said to have occurred after the great miracle performed by the Buddha came down by a triple ladder, accompanied by the Gods Brahma and Sakra (Indra).

The story of the Buddha’s descent from heaven at Sankasya has been a popular theme in early Buddhist art. In the harhut illustration, the triple ladder is at the centre of the scene with a Bodhi Tree and Vajrasana at its foot. There is one foot print (of the Buddha) on the top step and a second foot print on the bottom step of the middle ladder. Around the ladder on all sides are a number of spectators, kings, ministers and people awaiting anxiously the return of the Buddha. Somewhat similar scene is depicted at Sanchi.

Tourist Attraction

An important relic of the past at Sankasya is the stump of the broken Asoka pillar surmounted by the elephant capital. It has beautiful carvings of lotus and leaves of Bodhi tree.

Nearby is a small modern Buddhist temple under the Bodhi tree. It was constructed in 1957 by Ven. Vijaya soma, a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. The modern shrine has a standing image of Lord Buddha flanked by Brahma and Sakra who are believed to have accompanied the Buddha on His descent from heaven to earth.

About 20 yards to the south of the Asoken Pillar, there is a highmound of solid brick work which was once a Buddhist structure. But it is now surmounted by a temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Visharidevi. It is believed that the Buddha had descended from heaven at this place.

The Buddhists visit Sankasya in large numbers every year on the Ashvina (Sharad) Purnima (in October) when a religious congregation takes place.

How To Reach

The nearest airport to Sankasya is at Agra and the railway station is at Pakhna, which is 12 km away. There are frequent bus and taxi services are available from Farrukhabad to Sankasya.

NALANDA

The name of the city has been derived from Na-alam-da, meaning Insatiable in Giving, one of the names by which the Lord Buddha was known. Today it is identified with modern Baragaon village. The city of Nalanda was found in 5 th century B.C. The oldest university of the world lays 62 kms from Bodhgaya and 90 kms from Patna. 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. Located in the eastern region of India, It is well known as the ancient center of learning.

It has ruins of its rich past scattered all around. Sculptures, frescoes and bas-relief are still to be seen amongst the ruins. Good network of roads connect Nalanda to the other cities of the state making it accessible from all the parts of India.

The Nalanda University
The University was established in 5th century B.C. The ruins of the university are spread over 14 hectares of land. All the buildings are made with red bricks built in Kushana style of architecture. Excavations have revealed a symmetrical row of monasteries on the east that faces a parallel row of temples on the west with wide space in-between.

The most imposing structure is the Sariputra stupa in the temple site 3, at the extreme south of the University. What we see here is the outcome of seven layers of successive construction that shields the original stupa which appears to be small and buried deep with in. The surrounding stupas and two towers are decorated with the niches which depict the Buddha, Buddhisattvas and the other events of Buddha’s life. To get the better perspective of the University there is stairway leading to the top.

On the east of the University there are two monasteries (site 1A and 1B) facing Sariputra stupa. The main gates are on the north and it leads to the wide varandah, the roof of which rested on the pillar. In all the four directions there are cells for monks. In the site 1B there is an octagonal well on the side of the courtyard and well-planned drains for sewage disposal. On the north side there are other 9 monasteries of the same layout and design except for the entrances facing south.

Each monastery was provided one shrine which contained the colossal image of Buddha. The monasteries were well worked out with thick plasterwork within which there were monastic cell, a safe, a well, and drains. The monasteries clearly reveal the different layers of constructions and thereby indicating various periods of occupation. Monastery Site 1 suggests no less than nine different levels while other monasteries show two or three layers of construction.

In 1951 an international center for Buddhists studies was established here.

The Nalanda Museum
This museum houses the treasure antiquities found during the excavations in Nalanda and Rajgir. The museum offers a veritable peep in to the Pala art. Which explains the University was equally famous for its prolific school of stone sculptures, bronze casting and manuscript paintings. Besides the artistic skills, the sculptures also explicate the jewelry, clothes and lifestyle of that period.

The most dominating image in the museum is of Buddha, which was made in the first century. The Pala school of Nalanda depicts him in all available postures. However, the first bronze image depicts him in an Abhay Mudra which is noted for its simplicity and convincing modeling.

Next to Buddha, most of the sculptures give account of Tara (the goddess of compassion and consort of Avalokitesvara) clad in a sari that reaches her ankle while her head is decorated with a crown and the wrist is replete with bangles. Other female deities depicted at Nalanda are three faced Marichi, Prajnaparamita, Hariti, Sarvvani, Aparajita, Vasudhara, Mahasarasvati, etc. The representations of Bodhisattvas include Padmapani, Manjusri, Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani, Manjuvara, etc.

Other Brahmanical images found in Nalanda are of Shiva and Parvati assembled in one sculpture as seated in Lalitasana, Vishnu, Surya and his son Revanta, Ganesha, Sarasvati, Chandika and Ganga. They seem to suggest the need of an appeal to the masses of the people to attract the votaries of Hinduism by introducing some element of their religion. However, one wonders at some of the rare and unexplained statues like those of Tralokyavijaya trampling upon Siva and Parvati lying prostrate. In another statue Ganesha is seen subdued by Aparajita.

Besides copper, stone and brick inscriptions, the museum has numerous coins, seals and plaques on display which includes the official seal of the Sangharama. The Nalanda Archeological Museum stays closed on Friday.

Hiuen Tsang memorial hall
Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese traveler who came to India in 5th century. He got attracted towards the glory of Nalanda University and stayed there for 12 years and taught the students of the university. He has given a very detailed and vivid description of the Indian political and social conditions at that time. His writing were considered as the most authentic and credible source of information of that period. This memorial has been made in his memory.

Nav Nalanda Mahavihara
Nav Nalanda Mahavihara was established in 1951 by Indian government to promote Pali literature and the studies of Buddhism. Apart from India Students from other countries also come here for studying.

Lauria Nandangarh
Lauria Areraj is an 11.5-meter high Ashokan column, erected in 245 B.C. The polished sandstone pillar has edicts on it. King Ashoka erected a Lion pillar, which has become a famous site now. The 8.5 meter high sandstone pillar also has edict engraved on it. It is also believed that Nandangarh stupa houses the ashes of Lord Buddha.

How To Reach

Air : The nearest airport is at Patna, which is 95 kms from Nalanda. The airport takes regular flights to the other major cities of India.

Rail : Though the nearest railway station is at Rajgir (12 kms) yet Gaya’s (95 kms) railway station is considered as a convenient railhead.

Road : Nalanda is well connected with roads of Patna, Rajgir, Pawapuri and Bodhgaya

Local Transport:There are no taxis available in Nalanda, rickshaws and Tongas are the main source of local transport.

KUSHINAGAR

One of the four major pilgrimage destinations of the Buddhist, Kushinagar (Kusinagar or Kusinara) is a small rural town of Uttar Pradesh located some 52 km from Gorakhpur, in northern India. Known earlier as Kushavati (Jatakas), Kushinagar was a celebrated center of the ancient Malla kingdom and is the place where the Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (the great passing away), and was cremated. The religious significance of Kushinagar can be perceived by the fact that a large number of followers visit this place everyday. This is also the place where Lord Buddha preached his last sermon and said, /”All things must pass. Decay is inherent in all things”.

The Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at the age of 80 on the full moon of the month of Vaisakha (April-May) and as per his direction the Mallas of Kusinara were informed of his impending death, and they came to pay respects to him. For the next six days the body of the Shakyamuni’s was laid in state and preparations were made for his funeral under the direction of Anirudha a cousin and follower of the Buddha. On the seventh day, after honoring the body with perfumes and garlands, it was taken to the Mukutbandhana Chaitya, the sacred shrine of the Mallas where under the guidance of Mahakashyapa, the Buddha was cremated with due honor.

Following the cremation, the relics of the Grand Master – skull bone, teeth and inner and outer shrouds were collected and distributed among the representatives of the eight Kingdoms, which constituted ancient northern India. These relics were again subdivided after King Ashoka decided to build 84,000 stupas. Today these relics are enshrined in various stupas scattered al over Asia.

Being an important Buddhist site, Kushinagar had a lot of monasteries and stupas that were dedicated to the Buddha. Most of these religious structures were constructed between 3rd century BC and 5th century AD. For a long time Kushinagar remained lost in the jungles and was unknown to the world till 19th century when the British rediscovered it in 1880. Recent excavations have revealed that a monastic tradition had flourished here for a long time. The remains of ten different monasteries dating from the fourth to the eleventh centuries have been found. Excavations have shown that the original Buddha temple consisted of an oblong hall and antechamber with its entrance facing the west. Large number of bricks with carved surfaces found among the rubbish indicated that the temple had a barrel-vaulted roof not unlike that on the modern temple. The excavations have also unveiled the Matha Kuar and Ramabhar stupa. Most of these monastries and stupas are now enclosed in a park, in the midst of which stands a modern shrine housing a large recumbent figure of the Buddha. The temple known as the Mahaparinirvana Temple was built by the Government of India in 1956 to commemorate the 2,500th year of the Buddha Mahaparinivana or 2500 BE (Buddhist Era).

Inside this temple, one can see the famous Reclining Buddha image lying on its right side with the head to the north. The statue is 6.1 m long and rests on a stone couch. On the front of the couch are three sculptures, believed to represent Ven. Ananda near the feet, Ven. Subhadda at the middle and Ven. Dabba Malla at the corner. At the centre is an inscription dating to 5th century AD, which states the statue was “a gift of the monk Haribala of the Mahavihara and was fashioned by Dinna”. This 1500-year old reclining Buddha image was executed out of one block of red sandstone brought in from Mathura. It was discovered in 1876 in a dilapidated condition and the scattered fragments were successfully pieced together. Behind this shrine is a large stupa dating from the Gupta age. The Burmese restored this early in this century. Not far away is the Rambhar Stupa, one of the most important landmark of Kushinagar. The stupa is said to have been built on the same spot where Lord Buddha was cremated in 483 BC. Mathakuar Shrine is the place where Lord Buddha had given his last sermon.

Since Kushinagar is a much-frequented pilgrimage site often, visited by tourists from East Asia and South East Asia- regions where Buddhism is the dominant religion, the Chinese, Sri Lankan, Thai, and Japanese Buddhists have constructed many temples. While a former Chinese temple has been reopened as an international meditation centre, the Tibetan Buddhists have built a small monastery with stupas in the Tibetan style beside it. There is also a museum that houses objects found during the excavation of Kushinagar.

A majority of tourists come to Kushinagar during Buddha Purnima to celebrate the birthday of Lord Buddha. The place has a tropical climate with extreme temperatures during summers and winters. Winter days are pleasant with dry weather and clear sky.

How To Reach

By Air : The nearest airport from Kushinagar is Varanasi, several airlines operate regular flights to connect Varanasi to Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Patna.

By Road : A good network of roads connects Kushinagar to other parts of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Gorakhpur (51 km), Sravasti (254 km), and Sarnath (266 km) and Agra (680 km) are linked to Kushinagar by road.

By Rail : The nearest railway station from Kushinagar is Gorakhpur, which is an important railhead in Uttar Pradesh. Regular trains network Gorakhpur with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi. One can reach Gorakhpur and Kushinagar in turn, from any part of the country by rail.

AJANTA CAVES

These 3rd-century caves are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture. These historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. Visiting these caves is like travelling back to the past. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

These caves are believed to see the rise and spread of both the two sects of Buddhism, the Hinyana and the Mahayana, and enough examples of architecture are available still in the caves. The 30 caves, including the unfinished ones, seem to carry a distinct charm and represent the true faces of the flourishing Buddhist architecture, art, and obviously the religious influence at that period of time.

The fact that these caves were inhibited by Buddhist monks and religious devotees for more than 800 years is, in itself, enough to support it become a UNThe fact that these caves were inhibited by Buddhist monks and religious devotees for more than 800 years is, in itself, enough to support it become a UNESCO world heritage site. Even then, there are lots of other specimens to support its uniqueness and importance in archaeology as well as history.

How To Reach

By Air : Aurangabad, 100 kms away is the nearest airport. Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur etc.

By Rail: Aurangabad is nearest railhead, Jalgaon, 59 km away, is good for catching swanky trains.

By Road : Well-maintained roads link Ajanta to Mumbai, good buses are also available. Ajanta- 100 kms, Bombay- 390 kms, Ellora- 32 kms, Nanded- 275 kms, Nasik- 224 kms, Pune- 232 kms.

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.

About Dharamshala
Dharamshala is also renowned for its beauty, elegance and charm that it expresses through the natural scenarios and the mystic ambience of religious associations. It the centre of preaching of the Tibetan religious Guru and Nobel peace prizewinner, the Dalai Lama.

Dharamshala (Mcleodganj) 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. It has obtained its name from the guesthouse for the religious travelers, called Dharamshala in Hindi. The town is divided into two parts, the Upper Dharamshala and the Lower Dharamshala (main town). The upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj from Dharamshala by road, is 10 kilometers.

How To Reach

By Air :Kangra Gaggal Dharmashala airport is the nearest, at a distance of 12 km.

By Rail :Pathankot is the nearest railhead in broad gauge route, however Kangra station is in the narrow gauge map, only 18 km from Dharamshala.

By Road :The national highways numbered 1 and 1A connect Dhramshala to Pathankot and Jalandhar, thus obviously the roads are quite good.

SANCHI

Sanchi, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, was built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the then governor of Ujjaini. His daughter and son, Sanghamitra and Mahindra respectively, were sent to Sri Lanka where they converted the king, queen and the local people to Buddhism.

The massive stupa at Sanchi with its intricately carved toranas (gateways) is noted to be a complete example of the early Buddhist stupa architecture in its extant form. Buddhist site in Sanchi is one of the world heritage sites at Unesco. Bhopal is the nearest airport to Sanchi (46 kms) and is well connected by rail and road with rest of the country.

Sanchi is quite famous for its Stupas, had many a name in the historical times, such as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota etc. The stupas in the place are simple irresistible and showcases the history of Buddhism in India, in a simple yet convincing manner. There is some Stupa built by Ashoka, which are special attractions of this place.

The serene landscapes and the beautifully erected India Buddhist temples add to the beauty of the place. In the large hemispherical domes one can find Buddha’s relics.

How To Reach

By Air :Bhopal is the nearest airport at a distance of 46 km.

By Rail :Nearest railhead is at Vidisha, 10 km from Sanchi.

By Road :Sanchi is well connected to Bhopal, Vidisha and Indore through well laid road network.

KAPILVASTU

The little village of Piprahwa is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage since Lord Buddha had spent his first twenty-nine years of life in this region. Excavations by archaeological survey of India have revealed the relation of this place to the Kushan period. An excavated stupa bears text that proves the existence of an ancient monastery named Devaputra in this place. Two mounds have also been excavated at only a little distance (1.5 km) from this village which, is considered to be the ruins of King Suddhodhana’s palace.

Kapilavastu was the capital of the Shakya kingdom, and Buddha was born to king Shuddhodhana of this clan. He grew up amidst luxury and shunned away from miseries of life. But one day he broke out the luxurious entrapment of his father and set out for a journey to his father’s kingdom. The miseries and the care of the people affected spiritual minded Buddha and he decided to find a way out to end these miserable conditions of human life. That led to the birth of one of the world’s greatest religions known as Buddhism.

The place is important to visualise the pre meditation, princely days of the Lord who had contributed much to humanity by giving up his own luxury and princely status.

Location :
The city is located 27 km south of Lumbini, in Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh between Lumbini and Saraswati. The place is now known as Piprahwa. Nepal is not far from the place.

How To Reach

By Air : The best way to reach Kushinagar by air is through Bhairahwa and/or Kathmandu airport. Regular buses ply to Kapilvastu from Kathmandu. However Kapilvastu can also be reached through Varanasi (India), connected through many flights with all major cities of India.

By Rail : Siddhartha Nagar, at a distance of 20 km, is the nearest railhead, connected to major destinations in India. However, Gorakhpur could be the choice of most, being a well-known railway junction.

By Road : Good motorable road exists which connects Kapilvastu to major destinations in Nepal. Private buses and Taxis are available from all major cities like Varanasi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

VAISHALI

It was here that the Buddha announced the approaching of his Mahaparinirvana. During one of his visits here, the Buddha was offered a bowl of honey by a monkey. This incident is mentioned as one of the eight great events in his life. Vaishali is 60 kms. From Patna, connected by the 5.5 kms. Long Mahatma Gandhi Bridge.

This city hosted Lord Buddha five years after he had attained enlightenment. The mass induction of people into Buddhism after the Lord had shown some extraordinary and divine presentations of his spiritual superiority is the major reason for the popularity of this place.

On arrival of the Lord, the then rulers, the Lichhvis offered a grand welcome to the Lord who denied all luxury offered to him. The magnificence of his personality and the pristine values immediately started showing effect on the citizens and it is believed that at that period of time eighty four thousand people had adopted Buddhism.

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.

How To Reach

By Air : The nearest airport is Patna which is 56 km from the city.

By Rail : Hazipur is the nearest Rly. Station.

By Road : Regular bus services connect the city with Patna and other cities of Bihar.