India Pilgrimages Tour

Buddhism is a religion followed in various parts of Asia. It is not just religion rather it is a philosophy, originated from the teachings of Lord Buddha which he preached during his lifetime. Buddhist tour is an enchanting experience which brings the followers, near to the truths of the life. Most of the destinations in this spiritual journey are associated with the life of Lord Buddha. It is believed that Buddha lived from 563 to 483 BC in India. Lord Buddha was a prince of a small, Kingdom, Lumbini which is in Nepal now. Later when he learned the realities of the life, he renounced his prince life and royal privileges and became an ascetic. He left his home in search of truth and enlightenment. He moved from place to place in his quest and all those places later became important Buddhist sites.

Let us learn about Buddhist tour in India. Four main Buddhist sites, Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar are situated in the Ganga Valley region.

Lumbini:

Lumbini is counted among the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage sites. Located in Nepal now, this is the birth place of Prince Siddhartha Gautam who later became Lord Buddha after attaining enlightenment.

Bodhgaya:

This is another most important Buddhist site. Here, Lord Buddha sat under a Bodhi Tree, on diamond seat, for meditation and attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple and the Bodhi tree are main attractions here.

Sarnath:

Located in Ganges valley, this is the site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon about the key aspects of Buddhism; Eightfold path, four noble truths and the middle way of philosophy. He preached these principles to five of his followers who became first monks of the order. There are relics of monasteries, built in 3rd century BC to 1st Century BC.

Kushinagar:

This is quite significant Buddhist site. At the age of 80, after attaining the true meaning of his life, Lord Buddha breathed his last in a saal forest in Kushinagar. This stage of his life is regarded as Mahaparinirvana.

Shravasti:

This is the site where Lord Buddha performed great miracles.

Sankashaya:

It is believed that, Lord Buddha descended from Tushita Heaven to preach Dharma to his mother. There are relics of a temple built by Ashoka at this site. Otherwise, this is the only Buddisht site where there are no monasteries or temples.

Nalanda:

This is a blessed place as Buddha came here. Also there was a university which taught Buddhist teachings to the monks.

Rajgir:

This is another place where Buddha visited and preached.