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Amit Khanna Staff answered 5 months ago
The Buddhist Circuit in India is a significant pilgrimage route for Buddhists and offers a deep dive into the life and teachings of Buddha. Here are the important places to visit on the Buddhist Circuit, with all relevant details for first-time visitors:
1. Bodh Gaya
Significance: The site where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha under the Bodhi Tree.
Key Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, and various monasteries.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Travel Tips: Visit the Mahabodhi Temple complex early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
2. Sarnath
Significance: The place where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Key Attractions: Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Chaukhandi Stupa, and various monasteries.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Budget to mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
Travel Tips: The Sarnath Museum has a rich collection of artifacts; ensure to check its opening hours.
3. Kushinagar
Significance: The site where Buddha passed away and attained Parinirvana (final nirvana).
Key Attractions: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, and various monasteries.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Basic hotels and guesthouses.
Travel Tips: The Mahaparinirvana Temple is a key site for meditation and reflection.
4. Lumbini (Nepal)
Significance: Birthplace of Buddha, located just across the border in Nepal.
Key Attractions: Maya Devi Temple, the Sacred Garden, and the Lumbini Museum.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Range from budget lodges to mid-range hotels.
Travel Tips: Carry your passport for crossing into Nepal, and check visa requirements.
5. Nalanda
Significance: An ancient center of learning and a significant site for Buddhist studies.
Key Attractions: Nalanda University ruins, Nalanda Archaeological Museum, and several monasteries.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Basic hotels and guesthouses in nearby Rajgir.
Travel Tips: Spend some time exploring the ruins of the ancient university for a glimpse into historical Buddhist scholarship.
6. Rajgir
Significance: A place where Buddha spent several years and gave many sermons.
Key Attractions: Venuvana Monastery, Griddhakuta Hill, and the Ajatshatru Fort.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Budget to mid-range hotels.
Travel Tips: Take the cable car to Griddhakuta Hill for panoramic views and a peaceful environment.
7. Vaishali
Significance: The site where Buddha gave his final sermon and announced his impending Nirvana.
Key Attractions: Ashokan Pillar, Vaishali Museum, and the Ananda Stupa.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Basic lodges and guesthouses.
Travel Tips: Vaishali is a smaller site compared to others, so plan for a shorter visit.
8. Shravasti
Significance: A city where Buddha performed many miracles and spent considerable time teaching.
Key Attractions: Jetavan Monastery, Saheth-Maheth ruins, and the Anathapindika Stupa.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Accommodation: Basic hotels and guesthouses.
Travel Tips: Explore the ancient ruins and stupa for a serene experience.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Travel Arrangements: Plan your itinerary considering proximity and travel time between locations. Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience.
Local Customs: Dress modestly and follow local customs, especially in temple areas.
Health and Safety: Carry bottled water and necessary medications, and ensure to check the health advisories for the regions you visit.
Visa and Documentation: For international visitors, ensure you have the necessary visas for travel to Nepal and carry your passport.
These locations offer profound insights into the life of Buddha and the evolution of Buddhism, making them essential stops on the Buddhist Circuit.
Sameer Staff answered 4 months ago
The Buddhist Circuit in India is a pilgrimage route that covers important sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha. These places are significant for followers of Buddhism and attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Below is a list of the key places that form the Buddhist Circuit in India:
1. Lumbini (Nepal)
Significance: The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).
Key Sites: Mayadevi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, Sacred Garden.
Although Lumbini is technically in Nepal, it is often included in the Buddhist Circuit due to its historical importance.
2. Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
Significance: The place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
Key Sites: Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), Animesh Lochan Chaitya, Ratnagarh.
3. Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh)
Significance: The site where Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
Key Sites: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, Ashokan Pillar.
4. Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh)
Significance: The place where Buddha attained Parinirvana (passed away).
Key Sites: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa (cremation site), Matha Kuar Shrine, Japanese Temple.
5. Rajgir (Bihar)
Significance: An important place during Buddha’s lifetime; he spent several years here and delivered many sermons.
Key Sites: Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta), Venuvana Monastery, Saptaparni Cave, Rajgir Hot Springs, Ajatashatru’s Stupa, Son Bhandar Caves.
6. Nalanda (Bihar)
Significance: The site of the ancient Nalanda University, one of the world’s first residential universities and a center of learning for Buddhism.
Key Sites: Nalanda University ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Nalanda Archaeological Museum, Xuanzang Memorial Hall, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara.
7. Vaishali (Bihar)
Significance: Buddha gave his last sermon here and announced his impending Parinirvana.
Key Sites: Ashokan Pillar, Relic Stupa, Ananda Stupa, Vishwa Shanti Stupa.
8. Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
Significance: Buddha spent 24 monsoon seasons (Chaturmas) here, performing many miracles.
Key Sites: Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika’s Stupa, Angulimala’s Stupa, Pakki Kuti, Sehat Mahet.
9. Kapilavastu (Uttar Pradesh/Bihar)
Significance: The ancient capital of the Shakya clan, where Buddha spent his early years as Prince Siddhartha.
Key Sites: Kapilavastu Stupa, Tilaurakot (in Nepal), Piprahwa Stupa, Kapilavastu Museum.
10. Sankissa (Uttar Pradesh)
Significance: Believed to be the place where Buddha descended from Tushita Heaven after preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother.
Key Sites: Ashokan Elephant Pillar, Buddha Temple, ruins of an ancient stupa.
11. Kesariya (Bihar)
Significance: Home to one of the tallest Buddhist stupas, Kesariya Stupa, which is believed to be where Buddha gave his last sermon before heading to Kushinagar.
Key Sites: Kesariya Stupa.
12. Gaya (Bihar)
Significance: Apart from Bodh Gaya, Gaya itself is significant as a place where people offer “Pind Daan” for their ancestors, and it is closely associated with Buddhism.
Key Sites: Vishnupad Temple, Brahmayoni Hill, and several Buddhist temples.
13. Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
Significance: While primarily known as a Hindu pilgrimage site, Mathura also has significance in Buddhism, with historical links to Emperor Ashoka and Buddhist stupas.
Key Sites: Buddhist relics, ancient stupas, and archaeological sites.
14. Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)
Significance: An ancient Buddhist center with significant stupas and monasteries, reflecting the spread of Buddhism in Southern India.
Key Sites: Amaravati Stupa, Dhanyakataka Stupa, Amaravati Archaeological Museum.
Additional Sites:
While not part of the main Buddhist Circuit, the following sites also hold importance in the context of Buddhism in India:
Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra): Known for their exquisite Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and monasteries.
Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh): Home to the Great Stupa and other significant Buddhist structures.
Leh and Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir): Numerous monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit.
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh): Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in India.
The Buddhist Circuit in India offers a journey through the life of Buddha and the evolution of Buddhism, with each site providing deep spiritual and historical insights.