From the legendary spiritual enlightenment site of the Buddha under the Mahabodhi Tree to the monastery in Vaishali to Mahakala Caves, etc, visiting these five places completes your tour of the Buddhist circuit.
It was in 2016 that the Modi government at the centre along with Nitish Kumar-led state Government announced the Buddhist Circuit project under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. From then onwards spiritual and religious tourism in Bihar has been showing an increasing trend among domestic and international travellers especially from other Asian countries.
The devout religion of Buddhism has it roots in the state of Bihar. A land of numerous pilgrimage sites and stupas, Bihar has a long historical & cultural background connected with many great empires. Hence whenever you think of undertaking a Bihar Buddhist Circuit pilgrimage tour, the following sites and places should be in your itinerary.
Bodh Gaya– Declared a World Heritage site, the place is situated on the west bank of the Phalgu River. This is the city where it is believed that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. Devotees from all over the world come to this holy place to offer prayers and seek blessings from Buddha as it is the top Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
Main attractions – The Mahabodhi temple, including the Vajrasana (platform marking the place where the Buddha meditated) and the Bodhi Tree. Tourists can also see the holy Mahakala Caves (the spot where Buddha spent many years of life), stupas and other temples in and around the city.
Nalanda– If you want to delve into the sanctuary of Buddha’s knowledge, and enthralling architecture of the mediaeval times, then come to Nalanda, about 85 kilometres by road from Bodhgaya. A great sightseeing point during Bihar tourism, Nalanda was a thriving metropolis when Buddhism spread throughout India.
Main Attraction: The most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site- Nalanda University. The ruins of several monasteries (viharas) and temples (chaityas), and ancient classrooms.
Rajgir– The ancient city of the Magadha empire. The destination carries hints of spirituality and vibrant hues of history with links with both Buddhism and Jainism. Located atop Griddhakuta Hill in the Ratnagiri hill range, here Lord Buddha spent several years and gave some of his most important teachings. It is believed it was lord buddha’s favourite meditation spot.
Main Attractions– The Saptaparni Cave (the site where the first Buddhist council met after Buddha’s death to record his teachings). There is a white stupa atop the cave, the Viswa Shanti Stupa, with golden Buddha statues.
Vaishali– Located north of Patna, Vaishali is believed to be the place where Buddha preached his last sermon and announced his Nirvana. Vaishali is also known as the world’s first republic as it was part of the Vajji confederacy and the 16 Mahajanapadas (kingdoms) of ancient India.
Main attraction: The Kutagarasala Vihara, a monastery, The Relic Stupa, known as the Ananda Stupa, (houses eight portions of the Master’s Relics objects that Buddha left over after his cremation).
Patna- The capital of the state of Bihar, called Pataliputra in ancient times, holds a huge significance among Buddhist pilgrims as it is where Lord Buddha’s trail of footprints came into existence.
From the legendary spiritual enlightenment site of the Buddha under the Mahabodhi Tree to the monastery in Vaishali to Mahakala Caves, etc, visiting these five places completes your tour of the Buddhist circuit.
It was in 2016 that the Modi government at the centre along with Nitish Kumar-led state Government announced the Buddhist Circuit project under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. From then onwards spiritual and religious tourism in Bihar has been showing an increasing trend among domestic and international travellers especially from other Asian countries.
The devout religion of Buddhism has it roots in the state of Bihar. A land of numerous pilgrimage sites and stupas, Bihar has a long historical & cultural background connected with many great empires. Hence whenever you think of undertaking a Bihar Buddhist Circuit pilgrimage tour, the following sites and places should be in your itinerary.
Bodh Gaya– Declared a World Heritage site, the place is situated on the west bank of the Phalgu River. This is the city where it is believed that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. Devotees from all over the world come to this holy place to offer prayers and seek blessings from Buddha as it is the top Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
Main attractions – The Mahabodhi temple, including the Vajrasana (platform marking the place where the Buddha meditated) and the Bodhi Tree. Tourists can also see the holy Mahakala Caves (the spot where Buddha spent many years of life), stupas and other temples in and around the city.
Nalanda– If you want to delve into the sanctuary of Buddha’s knowledge, and enthralling architecture of the mediaeval times, then come to Nalanda, about 85 kilometres by road from Bodhgaya. A great sightseeing point during Bihar tourism, Nalanda was a thriving metropolis when Buddhism spread throughout India.
Main Attraction: The most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site- Nalanda University. The ruins of several monasteries (viharas) and temples (chaityas), and ancient classrooms.
Rajgir– The ancient city of the Magadha empire. The destination carries hints of spirituality and vibrant hues of history with links with both Buddhism and Jainism. Located atop Griddhakuta Hill in the Ratnagiri hill range, here Lord Buddha spent several years and gave some of his most important teachings. It is believed it was lord buddha’s favourite meditation spot.
Main Attractions– The Saptaparni Cave (the site where the first Buddhist council met after Buddha’s death to record his teachings). There is a white stupa atop the cave, the Viswa Shanti Stupa, with golden Buddha statues.
Vaishali– Located north of Patna, Vaishali is believed to be the place where Buddha preached his last sermon and announced his Nirvana. Vaishali is also known as the world’s first republic as it was part of the Vajji confederacy and the 16 Mahajanapadas (kingdoms) of ancient India.
Main attraction: The Kutagarasala Vihara, a monastery, The Relic Stupa, known as the Ananda Stupa, (houses eight portions of the Master’s Relics objects that Buddha left over after his cremation).
Patna- The capital of the state of Bihar, called Pataliputra in ancient times, holds a huge significance among Buddhist pilgrims as it is where Lord Buddha’s trail of footprints came into existence.
