Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India

The main Buddhist pilgrimage sites described in the sutras of Buddhist law are tied to the life of Gautama. They are located in the basin of the Ganges River in Nepal, between Rajgir and Delhi.

It is believed that Gautama, in the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, indicated 4 places that are suitable for pilgrimage by heirs of his teachings, as well as capable of inducing spiritual progress:

1. Лумбини – это место рождения Будды.

2. Бодх-Гая – считается местом просветления Будды.

3. Сарнатх (Ишипатана) – это место, где проведена первая проповедь.

4. Кушинагар – это место ухода Гаутамы в паринирвану.

Lumbini is a settlement in Nepal on the border with India. It is known for its own temple complex and as the birthplace of Gautama the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. As a consequence, Lumbini serves as a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Not far from Lumbini is the town of Kapilavastu, where the Buddha lived until the age of 29.

Bodh Gaya (Bodhgaya) is a small town in Bihar state. It is located at the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is famous for its temple complex. It is the most important pilgrimage center for all Buddhists.

Sarnath is a suburb of Benares (Varanasi), located 10 km from the city, Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated as the place where Shakyamuni performed the "turning of the Wheel of Doctrine," that is, he gave the first sermon to the 5 followers, where he explained the doctrine of the "4 Noble Truths.

Небольшой город севера Индии – Кушинагар — одно из главных священных мест, является центром паломничества. Место ухода Гаутамы в паринирвану.

Nowadays, the city serves as a pilgrimage site and a fascinating destination for visitors. Many hotels and restaurants have been built here to provide tourists with a comfortable stay.