Vaishali Ashoka pillar at VaishaliThe ancient city of Vaishali was considered one of the earliest examples of a republic. Here’s where the Buddha preached his last sermon before he attained his parinirvana. After renunciation, his spiritual training initiated here and here’s where he initiated the first...
Rajgir & Nalanda Nalanda University ruinsThe Vulture Peak at Rajgir was Buddha’s favorite retreats and here he delivered many important sermons. Buddhist caves of Saptaparni is where the first Buddhist council was held after his death.Places to see in Rajgir are Shanti Stupa to see four...
Sankasya or Sankassa Pilgrims at Sankassa (source)In this ancient site is where the Buddha is said to have returned after preaching the dhamma in the world of gods (devas or celestial beings) after the twin miracle was performed by him. The Buddha is said to have...
Shravasti Buddhist monks at Angulimala StupaAn ancient city, one of the largest during the Buddha’s lifetime is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists or lay travellers. Buddha spent most of the time after enlightenment in Shravasti.The Twin Miracle was said to have occurred here, where the...
Kushinagar Buddha statue at Mahaparinirvana TempleAnother major pilgrimage site, Kushinagar is the place where the Buddha attained Parinirvana (nirvana after death). The Buddha breathed his last here. The site is mainly visited not by regular tourists but devout Buddhist followers and monks.The Parinirvana Stupa has the...
Sarnath Dhamek Stupa, SarnathThis is a sacred site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, taught the Dhamma (including the four noble truths and eightfold path) and formed the Sangha (monastic community). In Sarnath lies the Dhamek Stupa (128 feet high) as well as relics of...
Bodh Gaya Devotees around the Bodhi Tree This is one of four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. In Gaya, under the Bodhi Tree, the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it houses the Bodhi Tree and the Vajrasana...
