India was the first land where Buddhism was flourished because Lord Buddha spent his life. The places which are associated with Lord Buddha have been transformed into sacred places among its followers. After the death of Lord Buddha in 483 B.C., his followers organized his teaching by compiling a book and started religious movement that has been evolved into Buddhism, in the 3rd Century B.C., Ashoka the great adopted Buddhism after Kalinga (Odisha) war and made it his state religion. Subsequently, it faced declination due to lack of support given by rulers. Currently, all these places pull out a large number of pilgrimages as well as tourists across the world. By way of going through this post, travelers can find out more about Buddhism, life of Buddha, and its pilgrimage centers in India.
Bodh Gaya:
Bodh Gaya is one of the most sought-after sacred places for Buddhists, because on this land, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree (a ficus religiosa) while meditating for 49 days without leaving this place. Later on, this shrine is known as Animisalocana cetiya, at present, it is one of the UNESCO world Heritage Sites which attracts not only domestic tourists but also foreign tourists as well who belong to mainly Buddhists countries, like China, Japan, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka etc. it is highly revered place in Buddhism, devotees come here to pay their tribute in monasteries, remnants of Bodhi Tree, and temples.
Kapilavastu:
Kapilavastu used to be a capital of the Shakya clan in Ancient India. According to some legend, king Suddhodana and his queen Maya used to live here with their son, therefore, it is known as a childhood home of Lord Buddha who left home to attain enlightenment at the age of 29 from here after six years of his traveling, he reached Both Gaya. The center of attraction in kapilavastu is Piprahwa stupa which is believed to be built by Shakya dynasty and it has relics of Lord Buddha, therefore, thousands of travelers and followers of Buddhism visit this site.
Kushinagar:
Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh is known as one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, and where lord passed away and is believed to have attained Mahaparinirvana after his death. Since the death of Lord Buddha, many stupas and temples have been erected here over time. The most attractive place is to see a sleeping statue of Lord Buddha, on account of these reasons; it has been hot favorite tourist destination for the domestic and international tourists.
Rajgir:
Situated in Bihar dedicated to Lord Buddha where he would spend his raining day on the hills of Ratnagiri. Nearby this place, there is a cave of Saptaparni, and there first council of Buddhism was held after the death of Lord Budda, and his teaching was compiled into a book. Subsequently, this place was developed with the help of Japanese government, and stupa was built, which has been converted into shrine as well.
Sarnath:
Nestled nearby Varanasi, Lord Buddha after getting enlightenment, he delivered his first sermons to his five disciples here. Later on, several monasteries have been erected by Mauryan king Ashoka, among two have earned its name globally like the Chaukhandi and the Dhamek Stupa. If you happen to be there, do not forget to visit the frescos made by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu which is a highlights of the trip.
Sravasti:
It is situated in Uttar Pradesh near the Rapti River which is close to the Nepal. After getting enlightenment, Lord Buddha spent most of his life here and showed his miracles. Therefore, it has been converted into revered place among Buddhist followers.
Apart from the above mentioned sites, most of the tourist also visits The Taj Mahal in Agra to get once in a lifetime memories. This is also a world heritage site in India. If you want to know more about this place, let us know in comment section.