Buddhist travel destinations in India

Do you want to visit the places that are of high importance in Buddhism? If you feel like going to one state and visit multiple places related to Buddhism, then Bihar is the ultimate place to land on. Bihar is one famous destination out of many, which can be visited to experience the mysterious religion of Buddhism. Buddhists have many places of importance dotted all across the world – one famous destination is Bihar.

Buddhist tours are very commonly routed through various sites of Bihar. Let us take a look at the Bihar Buddhist travel destinations that hold a high position in Buddhism.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya, often written as Bodh gaya, is the most crucial place for Buddhists all over the world. Bodhgaya is the place where the Lord of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha (Childhood name ‘Prince Siddhartha’) reached in search of truth. This is the place where the famous Bodhi tree is situated- the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodhgaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained salvation or freedom from the circle of life and death.  There is no doubt about the sacred status of this place for it is the most sacred place in the world from a Buddhist point of view. The Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree are the key places to visit during your Bihar Buddhist travel to Bodhgaya. Buddhists from various nations like Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China, Japan and Nepal among others have made their monasteries all around the Mahabodhi temple – an interesting site to cherish!

Mahabodhi-Temple

Patna

Patna is the capital city of Bihar. There is a museum in Patna that features many important manuscripts as well as many Buddhist sculptures inside the premises. Each year, people interested in the practice of Buddhism reach Bihar to nurture their lives with the knowledge and learning of Buddhism. There are several statues, monks and manuscripts that throw light on the Bodhisattva and enlighten you with its practices and beliefs. Buddhist tours to Patna are commonly availed by people across the globe for these very reasons.

Nalanda

Visiting Bihar without making it to Nalanda during your Buddhist tour is not a great idea. Nalanda is famous for the ruins of prestigious Nalanda University, where students of all nationalities and ages swarmed to capture a glimpse of Buddhist teachings and preaching. It was a much looked upon center for knowledge as well as wisdom since ancient times. Also, Lord Buddha spent a considerable time in Nalanda, which give a sacred tinge to its importance.

Nalanda is the name of an ancient center of higher learning in Bihar, India

Rajgiri

It is the most serene town in Nalanda. This is the place in Nalanda where Lord Buddha spent many months. Rajgiri holds importance for other religions like Hinduism and Jainism apart from Buddhism. Griddhkuta Hill is the spot here where Lord Buddha meditated and preached from many months in a row for attain Buddhahood. During their Buddhist tour to Bihar, tourists can enjoy visiting various other temples of Hinduism and Jainism located here. Each year hundreds and thousands tourists reach Bihar to taken a glimpse through the ancient history of Buddhism. As per the Chief Minister of Bihar, this state is experiencing an increasing footfall every year.

Bihar is enlisted among the top ten tourist interest destinations in India, where it has even over- shadowed the famous tourist destination – Goa. Bihar has hosted International Buddhist Conclave, which multiplied the attention the state gets from Buddhists all over the world. When this conclave was held in Bodhgaya, the Buddhist scenario that was witnessed was explicable, though many newspaper articles tried to portray it.

Griddhkuta Hill is very same one that was taken by Bimbisara several centuries ago

Vaishali

Vaishali holds a greater importance for the followers of Jainism. The twenty fourth teerthankara of Jainism, Vardhaman Mahaveer, was born in the district of Vaishali. It is one of the most auspicious places for Jains all over the world. As for Buddhists, Lord Buddha preached his last sermon in this area, which is why visiting Vaishali is of prime importance to every Buddhist. From a religious point of view, every place that existed at the time of their supreme God they believe in is auspicious. Every thing that God touched, every step that God had taken thousands of years ago, holds importance. Therefore, the place where these Mahaveer took birth and Buddha preached his last sermon, lived and meditated are of prime importance. Bihar has always held importance from a religions point of view. Being a secular state, there are religious places of Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Jainism as well as Buddhism.

Vishva-Shanti-Stupa-Vaishali

Bodhgaya, Rajgiri, Patna, Nalanda and Vaishali are a few key places to be marked in any Buddhist tour to Bihar. It is evident that Buddhism and Jainism have many similarities in their teachings and beliefs. It cannot be a mere co-incidence then that the Lords of two great religions spent a lifetime in the same cities – Bihar is thus remains to be a sacred land for religious followers across the globe. Many even believe in getting released from their cycle of sins when they visit this famous destinations of Bihar.

Buddhist-Prayer

Bihar has been one of the important places in the world with great religious persona attached to it. Evidences of existence of Bihar more than 3000 ago have also been found. Consequently, one can comprehend that the culture and tradition of the Bhojpuri speaking natives of Bihar is centuries old. They have far much established traditions as compared to many other places in India.

When you plan a Buddhist tour to Bihar, do not forget to buy a specimen of Madhubani paintings. If you visit the state during the period of Chhath pooja, which is one of the most auspicious festival for every resident of Bihar, you ought to witness its procession. You will be amazed with the dedication and belief of the people of Bihar.

There are an umpteen number of travel and tour guides present all over the world to guide you through the ways to plan and reach the famous destinations of Bihar.There are many special packages that can take you through all the places that are important from the Buddhism point of view or any other religion’s point of view for that matter. All you need is to take some days off and call the people waiting to plan an amazing tour for you and you can set foot on your Buddhist tour with the blink of an eye. No matter how many times you have visited the place, you will love to relive serenity in the air of the state of Bihar!

Bihar Tourism: Things to do in Bodhgaya

Inhabited for more than 3000 years, Bodhgaya is one of the oldest established places of the world. Bodhgaya has many places and monuments of historical importance. Also, there are many regions that hold importance from various religions’ point of view. There are places important for religions like Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam and Hinduism among others.

A Stroll Around the Town of Gaya

Travel tourism in Bodhgaya is widening with every passing day. As the tourists realize the importance of historical places, Bodhgaya travel and tourism is flourishing with increasing International travelers are planning Bodhgaya travel trips. As stated by Bihar government, the state is witnessing more Foreign travelers than the most popular tourist destination – Goa. In a recent survey, Bodhgaya travel trips have been listed among the top ten most picked holiday trips in India while Bihar is enlisted at number seventh amidst the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Tourists-in-Bodhgaya

With umpteen pilgrimages, excavations, monuments, fort, fairs and festivals, Bodhgaya in Bihar attracts tourists with all its might. The art and culture of Bodhgaya is admired by hundreds and thousands of tourists coming every year to the state of Bihar. To cater to the traditional and cultural needs of tourists, Bodhgaya caters to them with Madhubani paintings, stone pottery, vegetarian cuisines and folk music and dances. Tourists in Bihar enjoy exploring new cultures and traditions, while they are very fond of the paintings, handicrafts, pottery, etc. available in various Indian states.

Bodhgaya in Bihar at Large!

Bhodhgaya, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Pawapuri, Rajgir and Patna among others are some of the famous Bihar tourists Attractions. Bodhgaya is the famous tourist destination known as the birthplace of Buddhist preacher Lord Buddha. Every year thousands of International travelers in Bihar swarm this place to learn and enrich their lives with Buddhist lessons. There is a unique serenity in the environment of Bodhgaya, which is why many Bihar travel guides recommend a visit here for seekers of inner peace. Bodhgaya has many monasteries, some of which were built by people from Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other nations. Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya has been felicitated with the title of being a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Bodhgaya and Nalanda are located in the southern part of Bihar. Nalanda has the Nalanda Archeological museum, Nalanda University, which considered as one of the greatest centers for Buddhist teachings, Hiuen Tsang Memorial Hall, the Surya Mandir, etc. find place in its vicinity.

Mahabodhi-Temple-in-Bodhgaya

Vaishali has religious importance for Jainism as well as Buddhism in its name. This is the place where Lord Buddha took his last sermon while Lord Mahaveera (24th Teerthankara in Jainism) was born in a village in Vaishali. There are many Jain and Buddha structures situated in Vaishali while other Bihar tourists Attractions include Ashoka Pillars and Vishwa Shanti Stupa.

Vaishali–World’s-first-republics

Kushinagar is the place where Buddha attained liberation from life and death cycle. Located at about 53 Km away from Gorakhpur, Kushinagar is the place where Buddha was cremated. Similar is the importance of Pawapuri, where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana.

Vishva-Shanti-Stupa

Rajgir is also important for followers of Jainism as well as Buddhism. Lord Buddha spent almost 12 years in this region, while Lord Mahaveera also spent a considerable time in the area.

Travel tourism Bihar is a journey through the religious places of various religions in India. For Sikhism, there are many Gurudwaras like the Gurudwara Handi Sahib, Gurudwara Pakki Sangat, Gurudwara Gobind Ghat, Gurudwara Guru ka Bhag, Gurudwara Taksali Sangat, etc. in the state of Bodhgaya. For Islam, there is Sararam, Maner Sharif, Bodhgaya Sharif and Phulwari Sharif.

Takht-Sri-Patna-Sahib–the-birthplace-of-Guru-Gobind-SinghJi

The historical museums in Bihar travel guide include Nalanda Museum, Bodhgaya Museum, Vikramshila Museum and Vaishali Museum. Chhath pooja is one of the most famous festivals in all over Bodhgaya. The inhabitants of Bodhgaya, no matter where they are staying in the country, reach their hometowns in Bodhgaya in participate in this auspicious event. Visiting the state during the time of Chhath is one of the Bihar travel tips recommended by tour planners. Rajgir Mahotsava, Sonepur Fair and Patna Film Festival are some of other Bihar tourists Attractions. Forts in Bihar to be visited include Rohtasgarh Fort, Palamu Fort, Maner Fort, Jalalgarh Fort, Rajmahal and many more.

Nalanda-Museum

Patna, the capital city of Bihar, also showcases many places to Foreign travelers in Bihar from tourists’ point of view. Hanuman Mandir, Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib, Jadughar, Golghar, Qila House, Gandhi Setu and Kumhrar are few of them. Patna is important from Sikh perspective as it is the birth place of their tenth guru Guru Gobind Singh.

Takht-Sri-Patna-Sahib–the-birthplace-of-Guru-Gobind-SinghJi

As per the lifestyle of Bihar, moviegoers and entertainment seekers constitute a major part of culture. Most of the movies are released in the native language of the state called Bhojpuri.

Not only historical and religious places, Bihar travel offers a treat for wildlife lovers. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in Bihar for the tourist to enjoy viewing and observing the other living beings on the planet. Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Sanctuary, Hazaribagh Sanctuary, Lawalong Sanctuary, Dalma Sanctuary, Dolphin Sanctuary among others offers such opportunities. Also, Bihar entreats birdwatchers with various species of birds in Kabar Lake Bird Sanctuary. There are waterfalls like Kakolat, Telhar, Karkat waterfalls in Bodhgaya that are enjoyed by many tourists visiting the state.

Dalma-Wildlife-Sanctuary

Bihar travel tips include some of the scientific Museums like Patna Planetarium, which is one of the largest in Asia as well as Srikrishan Science Centre.

Srikrishna-Science-Centre, Patna

There are various travel packages offered for tourists visiting Bihar. Every package has different deals to reach and accommodate in the state of Bodhgaya. There are ways through air, rail and road to reach the important tourist destinations.

Therefore, Bihar offers a range of place, fairs, festivals, culture and tradition to fill the tourism senses of the Foreign Travelers in Bihar. Bihar and Bodhgaya, together with their unique cultures and traditions, exhibits various points of interest to the travelers reaching the state in large numbers. Government of Bihar records an increasing footfall on the various tourist spots each year.

Bodhgaya-in-night

A tourist, once aware about the importance of Bihar and different tourism spots that Bodhgaya in Bihar offers them, cannot resist visiting the place atleast once. People from all over the world swarm to Bodhgaya to experience the religious heat of Jainism and Buddhism.

Ancient Temples in India - Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

The Mahabodhi Mahåvihåra or more popularly known as the Bodhgaya

Budha

Temple or the Great Stupa, is one of the shrines out of the 84000 shrines erected by King Asoka the Great in the 3rd century B.C. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara is the sole surviving example of what was once an architectural genre. How long it took to create this magnificent structure or whose creation it is still remains a mystery and for the lack of a comprehensive historical data this subject remains a controversy till date. However, throughout the centuries, this blessed site has retained its deep spiritual vibration and inspired countless beings towards a saintly life and the vihâra itself stands out as an eye catching artistic landmark as if standing testimony towards the presence of the greatest Teacher of all time mankind has ever witnessed.

A graphic and comprehensive description of the Mahabodhi complex is left by Huen Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim who visited Buddhagaya in 637 A.D. About the Mahabodhi Temple he says :

“To the east of the Bodhi tree, there is a vihara about 160 or 170 feet high. Its lower foundation-wall is 20 or more paces in its face. The building is of blue bricks covered with chunam (burnt stone lime) all the niches in the different stones hold golden figures. The four sides of the building are covered with wonderful ornamental work : in one place figures of stringed pearls (garlands), in another, figures of heavenly rishis. The whole is surrounded by gilded copper amalaka fruit. The eastern face adjoins a storeyed pavilion, the projecting caves of which rise one over the other to the height of three distinct chambers; its projecting caves, its pillars, beams, doors, and windows are decorated with gold and silver ornamental work with pearls and gems let in to fill up interstices”.

The original fabric of the present Mahabodhi temple, which notwithstanding the simplicity of design and decoration, is of unique importance, being the sole survivor of a style of architecture which was in vogue in this region and of which vestiges are still in existence in the ruined temples at Nalanda and a few other places. Curiously enough it retains the dimensions and broad features which characterized it in the time of Huen Tsang.

Buddhist Monks at Bodhi Tree

The Temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods by a number of devout Kings, donors and philanthropists of home and abroad. A very thorough renovation of the Temple was taken up during 1874 by the deputations of the Burmese King, Mindon-Min, with the permission of the Government of India but subsequently completed in 1884 under the supervision of Sir Alexander Cunningham and Beglar. This Temple suffered much at the hands of time due to man made miseries and natural calamities especially during the reign of King Shashanka of Gour (Bengal).
In the 6th century B.C. Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained Supreme

Mahabodhi Temple - Full View

 Enlightenment at this Holy place and became the Buddha . In commemoration thereof, Emperor Asoka set-up the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) of polished sandstone representing the seat of Enlightenment in the 3rd century B.C. Thereafter he built a stupa in veneration of the Buddha which remained there upto the 2nd century A.D. The original structure of Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple was completed in 7th century A.D. during the reign of Gupta kings. The temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent period in which the Burmese greatly contributed. In 1883, a very thorough and scientific renovation of the Temple was done under the supervision of the British Archaeologist Sir A. Cunningham and J.D.M. Beglar and the Indian Archaeologist Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra. Again in 1956, on the occasion of 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations, the Govt. of India did some repair works and enlarged the premises of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara. This is the most sacred place of Buddhist Pilgrimage in the world.

The gold painted statue of Buddha in the sanctum shrine of the Temple is made of Black stone built by the Pala kings of Bengal. The Buddha is seen seated in the Bhumisparsa Mudra or the Earth touching posture.

The Mahabodhi Mahavihara has now been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO on the 27th June 2002.

In the Temple complex, one can also visit the other seven places where the Buddha spent in meditation after the attainment of Enlightenment. All these places are situated inside the Temple complex.

The sacred Bodhi Tree

The sacred Bodhi tree - the shades under which the Siddhartha Gautama meditated and attained Enlightenment on the full Moon day of Vaisakh Purnima (May month). This peepal tree’s botanical name is Ficus Religiosa. It was under this tree that the Buddha spent the first week in meditation after attaining Enlightenment.The present tree is probably the firth succession of the original tree which was earlier destroyed several times by man made misery and natural calamities.

Vajrasana

Vajrasana or the Diamond Throne is the seat of the Buddha’s Enlightenment. Built in the 3rd century B.C. by Emperor Asoka, it is made of red sand stone. Venerable Ashwaghosa in his Buddhacarita reveals that this is the Navel of the Earth. Fa-Hien mentions that all the past Buddhas attained Enlightenment here and the future Buddhas too will attain the enlightenment on this spot.

Animesha Lochana Chaitya

Situated on the north east of the Mahabodhi Temple, this is the place where the Buddha spent the second week in meditation in standing posture gazing at the Bodhi Tree with motionless eyes for one whole week.

Cankamana

This is the place where the Buddha spent the third week in meditation practicing the walking meditation, otherwise, called the Cankamana or the cloister walk. The raised platform with lotus flowers mark the spot where the Buddha kept his feet while walking.

Ratanaghara

The Ratanaghara or the Jewel House is the place where the Buddha spent the fourth week in meditation. Situated in the north-west of the Temple, the Buddha meditated here reflecting on the Patthana or the Law of Dependent Origination. A ray of six colours was said to have emanated from his body during that period and the Buddhists have designed their flag based on these colours.

Ajapala Nigrodha Tree

The pillar marks the spot where the tree once stood marking the place where the Buddha spent the fifth week in meditation after his attainment of Enlightenment and delivered a discourse on the equality of mankind.

Muchalinda Sarovar

The place where the Buddha spent the sixth week in meditation after his Enlightenment. While the Buddha was in meditation, a severe thunder storm broke out and seeing the Buddha getting drenched, the snake king of the Lake called Muchalinda came out of his abode and protected the Buddha with his hood from the violent wind and rains.

Rajayatna Tree
Situated in the south of the Temple, this is the tree under which the Buddha spent a week in meditation. It is said that two merchants from Burma (presently Myanmar) named Tapassu and Bhallika while passing this way offered rice cake and honey to the Buddha and took refuge in the Buddha and His teachings ‘Buddham Saranam Gachami, Dhammam Saranam Gachami’ but they could not take refuge in the Sangham because the Sangha was not constituted then, thus they became the first lay devotees in the Buddhist world.

Meditation Park

The park situated at the south-east of the temple is newly developed as a Meditation park. It has facilities for meditation huts, congregation and discussion courts and two huge prayer bells and two water fountains besides a lotus pond.