India is considered the birthplace of Buddhism, and as such, it has many important Buddhist heritage sites that are worth visiting. And therefore IRCTC has brought Buddhist Circuit Train to take you to the most revered places related to the life of Buddha in India and Nepal. Check out these top Buddhist heritage sites for your next soul-soothing holiday.

Bodh Gaya:

Bodh Gaya located in the Indian state of Bihar,  is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, as it is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodhgaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Mahabodhi Temple, which is a temple built at the site of Buddha's enlightenment. The temple houses a large statue of Buddha and pilgrims from all over the world come to visit and offer prayers.

Apart from the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya is also home to several other temples and monasteries, including the Thai Monastery, the Japanese Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. The city is also known for its meditation centers and retreats, where people can come and learn the art of meditation.

Sarnath:

Sarnath is located near Varanasi and is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The main attraction in Sarnath is the Dhamekh Stupa, which is built in the 5th century AD to mark the spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. The stupa is 43.6 meters high and is adorned with intricate carvings of Gupta origin.

Sarnath is also home to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar which is a modern temple built in the 20th century. The temple is famous for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. You can also visit  Sarnath Museum and Ashoka Pillar on your Sarnath Buddhist pilgrimage site tour.

Kushinagar:

Kushinagar marks the place where the Buddha passed away and attained parinirvana. It is one of the four main pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.  The main attraction here is the Mahaparinirvana Temple, which houses a 6.1 m long reclining statue of Buddha, depicting him in his final moments before passing away. The temple also has several other statues and murals depicting various scenes from Buddha’s life.

Another important site in Kushinagar is the Ramabhar Stupa, which is believed to be the place where Buddha was cremated after his passing. The stupa is a large mound of earth with a small shrine at the top and is surrounded by several smaller stupas. Kushinagar is also home to Buddhist sites like Mata Kutir Temple.

The town has a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for meditation and spiritual retreats.

Nalanda:

Nalanda is an ancient city located in the Indian state of Bihar. It was an important center of learning and Buddhist scholarship in ancient India and is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Nalanda University.

The Nalanda University was founded in the 5th century AD and was a major center of learning for over 700 years. It has a vast library, lecture halls, and dormitories, and was attended by students and scholars from all over the world. Today, the ruins of the university are a UNESCO world heritage site and attract visitors from all over the world.

Rajgir:

The main attraction in Rajgir is the Vishwa Shanti Stupa. It is commonly known as the Peace Pagoda. It is situated at the highest peak of Ratnagiri hill, at an altitude of 400 m in Rajgir, giving it a divine enchantment. The Stupa is entirely made of marble and has four golden statues of Lord Buddha, each representing a different stage of his life: birth, enlightenment, preaching, and death.

Another important site in Rajgir is the Griddhakuta Hill, where Buddha is believed to have delivered several important sermons. Rajgir is also home to several hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.

IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train also takes you to the birthplace of lord Buddha, Lumbini which is located in Nepal. 

Sravasti:
Sravasti is another important center for the Buddhist religion, as it was one of the places where Buddha spent a significant amount of time preaching and teaching his followers. It is believed that Buddha spent 24 rainy seasons in Shravasti, and during this time he performed many miracles including the famous “Twin Miracle”  Today, the city is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and many Buddhist sites can be found in the area.

These are just some of the many important Buddhist heritage sites in India. Each of these sites offers a unique and fascinating insight into the history and culture of Buddhism in India.

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