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.
- Why Visit: Bodh Gaya is the holiest site for Buddhists, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Key Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Animesh Lochana Chaitya, and Sujata Stupa.
- Things to Do: Meditate under the Bodhi Tree, visit nearby monasteries, and explore the museum.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Gaya (17 km), and Gaya Junction is the nearest railway station.
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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.
- Why Visit: Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, making it a key pilgrimage site.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Key Attractions: Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Sarnath Archaeological Museum, and the Ashoka Pillar.
- Things to Do: Explore the ancient stupas, visit the museum, and attend prayer sessions at the nearby monasteries.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Varanasi (25 km), and Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station.
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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.
- Why Visit: Kushinagar is where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana), making it a significant pilgrimage site.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Key Attractions: Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, and the Nirvana Stupa.
- Things to Do: Visit the Mahaparinirvana Temple, explore Buddhist relics, and participate in meditation sessions.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Gorakhpur (50 km), and Gorakhpur Junction is the nearest railway station.
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.
- Why Visit: Shravasti is an ancient city where Buddha spent many monsoon seasons and performed miracles.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Key Attractions: Jetavana Monastery, Anathapindika’s Stupa, and Angulimala Stupa.
- Things to Do: Explore the ruins of ancient monasteries, visit the stupas, and meditate in the quiet surroundings.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Lucknow (170 km), and Balrampur is the nearest railway station.
Read Also: Top 20 tourist places in Uttar Pradesh
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.
- Why Visit: Tawang is home to the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India, and is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Best Time to Visit: March to October.
- Key Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, and Sela Pass.
- Things to Do: Attend prayer sessions at Tawang Monastery, explore the scenic landscape, and visit local Tibetan markets.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Tezpur (317 km), and Tezpur Railway Station is the nearest rail link. Road access is available via Guwahati.
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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.
- Why Visit: Sanchi is known for its stupas, particularly the Great Stupa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest stone structures in India.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Key Attractions: Great Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Sanchi Museum, and Monastery 51.
- Things to Do: Explore the ancient stupas, visit the museum, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bhopal (50 km), and Sanchi has its own railway station.
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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.
- Why Visit: Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism and the seat of the Karmapa Lama.
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
- Key Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Golden Stupa, and Dharma Chakra Centre.
- Things to Do: Attend prayer ceremonies, explore the monastery complex, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (124 km), and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station.
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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.
- Why Visit: Vaishali is where Buddha gave his last sermon and announced his Mahaparinirvana, making it a major pilgrimage destination.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Key Attractions: Ananda Stupa, Relic Stupa, and the Ashokan Pillar.
- Things to Do: Visit the sacred relic stupa, explore ancient ruins, and visit the Vaishali Museum.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Patna (55 km), and Hajipur is the nearest railway station.
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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.
- Why Visit: One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist centers in India, Mindrolling Monastery is known for its beautiful gardens, stupa, and Buddhist teachings.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Key Attractions: Great Stupa, Ngagyur Nyingma College, and Buddha Temple.
- Things to Do: Attend meditation sessions, explore the monastery complex, and visit the nearby Tibetan colony.
- How to Reach: Located in Dehradun, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, and Dehradun Railway Station is well connected.
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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.
- Why Visit: The Namdroling Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple, is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Key Attractions: Golden Temple, Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara, and Zangdokpalri Temple.
- Things to Do: Explore the temple’s golden statues, attend prayer sessions, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the monastery.
- How to Reach: 90 km from Mysore, accessible by road.
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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.
- Why Visit: Lumbini, in Nepal, is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Key Attractions: Maya Devi Temple, Sacred Garden, and Ashoka Pillar.
- Things to Do: Visit the Maya Devi Temple, explore the monastic zone, and meditate in the Sacred Garden.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bhairahawa (Lumbini), or drive from Gorakhpur (India).
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- 7 Most Famous Temples in Nepal
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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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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India?
The most important sites include Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Lumbini (though Lumbini is in Nepal, it’s considered a key site for Buddhists).
2. Why is Bodh Gaya a significant Buddhist destination?
Bodh Gaya is where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, making it one of the holiest Buddhist sites.
3. What is the importance of Sarnath in Buddhism?
Sarnath is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, marking the beginning of the Buddhist community (Sangha).
4. Which Buddhist sites are located in Bihar?
Bihar is home to Bodh Gaya and Nalanda, both crucial to Buddhist history. Nalanda was a renowned ancient Buddhist university.
5. Are there any Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Dehradun?
Yes, the Mindrolling Monastery, also known as the Buddha Temple, is located in Dehradun and is a significant place for Tibetan Buddhists.
6. What are the timings for the Buddha Temple in Dehradun?
The Mindrolling Monastery is usually open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but it’s best to confirm the exact timings before visiting.
7. What are the top Buddhist cities in India?
Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Rajgir, and Sanchi are key Buddhist cities known for their historical and spiritual significance.
8. What are some sacred Buddhist places in India?
Sacred places include Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which have ancient Buddhist carvings.
9. Which is the most holy pilgrimage spot for Buddhists?
Bodh Gaya is considered the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists due to its association with Buddha’s enlightenment.
10. Can I take a Buddhist pilgrimage tour in India?
Yes, there are several Buddhist pilgrimage tours available that cover major sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, and Nalanda.
11. What are some of the famous Buddhist temples in India?
Famous temples include the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath, and the Mahaparinirvana Temple in Kushinagar.
12. What is the significance of Kushinagar in Buddhism?
Kushinagar is where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final nirvana) after his death, making it a sacred site for Buddhists.
13. Are there any Buddhist pilgrimage sites outside India?
Yes, Lumbini in Nepal is a key site where Buddha was born, and it’s often included in Buddhist pilgrimage tours.
14. Which states in India have the highest Buddhist population?
States with significant Buddhist populations include Maharashtra, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
15. What are the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and why are they important?
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are famous for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples and monasteries, showcasing beautiful carvings and murals.
