A journey to the spirituality of Buddhist pilgrimage destinations will leave you perplexed. The Buddhist pilgrimage is not solely about religious activities or spiritual beliefs. Instead, it is also about embracing the teachings, social interaction, and developing one’s inner strength.
There are many pilgrimage destinations in India that you should visit. Monasteries and pilgrimage centers are the best places where the purest forms of Buddhism can surround you.
Here is the list of Top 11 Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India:
1. Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is a village located in Bihar state. It is located west of the Phalgu River. This is where Siddhartha Gautam, a Buddha, reached enlightenment. The pipal tree was later known as the bodhi or bodhi tree.
Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple is home to the Bodhi tree, considered the most sacred place for Buddhists. There are numerous monasteries and temples in this area.
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2. Sarnath
Sarnath is located 10 kilometers northeast of Varanasi. It is near the Ganges River and Varuna rivers in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the four most sacred sites in the entire world. It is where Buddha turned the Wheel of Dharma when he was enlightened. He traveled from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath to search for his ascetic companions, who had been practicing austerities along with him.
These men were found by Buddha, who then preached his first discourse to them in the deer park. These men were also enlightened. This is also where the Sanga, the first monk community, was founded. Sarnath’s most prominent monuments include the Dhamek Stupa, which Ashoka built.
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3. Kushinagar
Kushinagar is one of four holy Buddhist sites in India. It is where Buddha died at the age of 81. Here is where Buddha taught his final lesson, “All things must come to an end.” All things are subject to decay.
This area is home to the Rambhar Stupa, which was built in the same spot as Buddha’s place. A Mahaparinirvana Temple is also located here. There are also many shrines, temples, stupas, shrines, and a museum. It is one of India’s most important Buddhist sites.
Suggested Kushinagar Package: Kushinagar 01 Day Tour Itinerary
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4. Shravasti
Shravasti is a famous Buddhist spot in India, and it is well-known. This place, is located around 330km away from Lucknow. It is known as the ancient capital of the Koshal kingdom.
This is where you will find the famous Stupas. These include “Kacchi Kuti” and “Pakki Kuti.” It also contains the monastery, where Lord Buddha spent many years.
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5. Tawang
It is the largest Indian monastery. It is known for being a vibrant, colorful, and rich center of spirituality. Galden Namgey Lhatse, which means “celestial paradise in the clear night” to the locals, is monastic. Arunachal Pradesh’s spirituality and culture are derived largely from this Buddhist temple in India. The library of the monastery houses a large collection of sacred and important scriptures. The Centre for Buddhist India Cultural Studies is also located here for young monks.
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6. Sanchi
Sanchi is often synonymous with the Great Stupa. It is a monument of stone in India that Emperor Ashoka constructed. It was built over the relics of Buddha’s Buddha. It featured some of the finest carvings on its gates and entrances.
There are also many other structures, pillars, and monasteries within the vicinity, making this an Indian Buddhist area. The Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies is a recent addition to the area.
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7. Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is located 23 kilometers from Gangtok on the top of a hill in Sikkim. It is India’s most important Buddhist site. It was originally called the Dharma Chakra Centre. It is part of the Kargyu sect, a Buddhist group that originated in Tibet in the 12th century.
The monastery is surrounded by verdant green mountains, which serve as an aesthetic treat and a point of spiritual solace. The Rumtek Monastery offers a stunning view of Gangtok. The monastery’s architecture is outstanding.
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8. Vaishali
Vaishali is a significant historical, cultural, and religious Buddhist site in India. The second Buddhist council was also held in this city, where Buddha frequently visited.
Buddha visited the city in the fifth year after he received his enlightenment. There are still a few relic shrines and stupas in the city. You can see many beautiful pillars of Ashoka here.
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9. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun
Mindrolling Monastery houses a wealth of historical Buddhist places and knowledge. Ngagyur Nyingma College, a prominent Buddhist Indian college, is a great place to learn and practice Buddhism.
This area is home to the Great Stupa (60 mt high), which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. Many shrine rooms, murals, and relics can be found within this holy marvel.
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10. Golden Temple, Coorg
This monastery is unique not only for its location but also because of the generosity in color, glitter, and sparkle it brings to spirituality. It is breathtaking to see the magnificent gold statues of Lord Buddha, which are decorated with the richest colors and cultures.
It is home to the second-largest Tibetan population in India. This area also has a strong Tibetan cultural influence. Here you can also find traditional Tibetan products.
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11. Lumbini (Nearby Close to India)
It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. He was born around the 6th or 7th centuries BC. Lumbini, the Buddhist pilgrimage site, is located in Rupandehi’s Kapilvastu district. It is also close to India’s border.
For Hindus who believe that the Buddha is one of many manifestations of Vishnu, it is a place of pilgrimage. This site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lumbini is a popular pilgrimage spot.
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Conclusion
The above is the best Buddhist pilgrimage destination in India. If you would like to visit Buddhist Pilgrimage, you may contact some travel agents experienced in arranging such trips. Most travel agents will be happy and help make your pilgrimage to India & Nepal an enjoyable and inspiring experience.
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