Bihar was the prime learning center for the world in ancient times. Many rulers have reigned here in the past. However, it is also known for its world-famous Buddhist centers. You will find many Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar that offer you a valuable insight into Buddhism and the teachings of Buddha. Due to the abundance of Buddhist sites, more and more people want to visit them. Not only Buddhists, but people from other religions come here to explore these places. If you are planning to book a Buddhist pilgrimage tour package, you must know about the important Buddhist places to see in Bihar. Here are some of the best Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in Bihar that you can explore:
Bodh Gaya is one of the popular spiritual sites for Buddhists. It is home to the famous Mahabodhi Temple, which is visited by Buddhists from all over the world. You will find a Bodhi tree here where Lord Buddha got enlightenment. Situated on the banks of the Niranjana River, the Mahabodhi Temple was built by King Ashoka. The disciples of Lord Buddha used to visit the temple to meditate and gain insight into the teachings of Buddha. However, you can also find other Buddhist temples in Bodhgaya constructed by the followers of different countries such as Japan, China, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Sikkim, etc.
This place is best known for having the oldest university in the world. It is a must-visit Buddhist site for visitors who come here. This Buddhist monastery has a deep religious significance as the famous Mahavira and Jain Tirthankara have stayed here. People believe that Lord Buddha spent most of his time here while providing teachings to his disciples. Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese scholar, also spent a long time at Nalanda. It was a popular learning centre in ancient times. Students from many countries, such as Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand, used to come here to learn Vedic and Buddhist teachings. Although Nalanda Mahavihara is in a ruined state today, people still come here to offer their prayers to Lord Buddha.
Another Buddhist sightseeing place in Bihar is Pragbodhi, which has a deep religious significance in Buddhism. It is the place where Buddha meditated after attaining enlightenment. The place is adjacent to Bodh Gaya and is an important place to explore for Buddhists. Pragbodhi offers a tranquil environment to the pilgrims where they can meditate or perform any spiritual practice. Pilgrims visit this place in large numbers and seek the blessings of Lord Buddha. The place where Lord Buddha meditated has a Buddhist temple now. You will also find a large number of stupas on the mountain. Once you are at Pragbodhi, capture the beautiful view of the Mahabodhi temple from the top of the mountain.
Located in Jehanabad district, the Barabar Caves are also worth exploring for Buddhists or those who have a deep interest in Buddhist philosophies and teachings. These caves were the monastic retreats for the monks in ancient times. Many Buddhist monks used to come here to seek peace and meditation. You will find several inscriptions on them that offer information about Emperor Ashok and his inclination towards Buddhism. A visit to these caves transports you to the ancient era, and you will start feeling a connection with Lord Buddha’s ideologies.
Rajgir is also among the most popular Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar. Devotees and pilgrims have been visiting this place for a long time. Rajgir town has been an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha spent 12 long years of his life. He delivered two sermons at this place. Rajgir is also home to the popular Jivkamravana Monastery, which is located in the dense forest. You will also find a cave here where Lord Buddha stayed after delivering his sermon at the Vulture Peak. The place is not only popular among Buddhists but also among the Jain devotees. If you want to explore the best sites associated with Buddhism, do not forget to visit this place during your trip to Bihar.
If you are an ardent follower of Lord Buddha, you must visit Champanagar. It is one of the lesser-known Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar. However, it holds a deep significance for the Buddhists. According to the Buddhist mythology, this is the exact place where Sujata was born. She was the woman who provided rice milk to Siddharth Gautam when he was observing a fast before his enlightenment. Champanagar has a unique charm attached to it due to its tranquil surroundings. The place attracts tourists and devotees from all over the world. Dotted with lush greenery, Champanagar is an important spiritual site where pilgrims pay homage to Sujata and seek blessings from the Lord Buddha.
It is also the best place to visit if you are a Buddhist. Known as Patliputra in ancient times, Patna is one of the important spiritual cities for Buddhists. Lord Buddha has visited Patna several times during his lifetime and also delivered a discourse here. This is among the most visited Buddhist destinations in India. You will find a memorial park in Patna named Buddha Smriti Park. This park is dedicated to Lord Buddha and has a museum that showcases the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. It also houses the holy relics from Myanmar, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Tibet, etc. You can also enjoy a laser show in Buddha Smriti Park when you are here.
Hajipur is also a sacred site for the Buddhists. This is the exact place where Buddha got his first alms after obtaining enlightenment. Pilgrims visit this spiritual site to pay homage to this holy event. Lord Buddha also delivered a discourse here named Cula Goplalaka Sutta. Another reason for the popularity of Hajipur is that it has the Ashes of the closest disciple of Buddha, named Ananda. Pilgrims from different parts of the world visit Hajipur to pay homage to him.
A legend is associated with Hajipur. According to it, Ananda decided to move to the northern part of Rajgir after knowing that his end was near. On listening to this, King Ajatshatru went after Ananda. The people of Vaishali also came to know about Ananda’s arrival. They started gathering at the shores of the River Ganga to welcome Ananda. However, they could not save Ananda.
Located in the Gaya district, Gurpa is also one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar. According to a legend, Gurpa is the place where Buddha used to stay during his visits to this region. The chirping of birds and the tranquil environment of this place are ideal for meditation. You will find solace and enlightenment after visiting this place. A legend is associated with Gurpa. According to it, the successor of Lord Buddha, Maha Kassapa, was on his way to a hill resort named Kukkuta Padagiri. He realized that his end was near. During his journey to the resort, he struck all the rocks that hindered his way. When he reached the top of the hill, rocks formed a hollow space. Maha Kassapa started meditating there, but the rocks blocked his way. There is a belief in Hinduism that the future Buddha or Maitreya will first visit the hill Kukkuta Padagiri and raise Maha Kassapa. Due to this event, Gurpa is considered a sacred spot not only by Buddhists but also by Hindus.
Vaishali is one of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar that you must explore during your Buddhist tour. The name of the city is derived from the King Vishal of the Mahabharata. This is considered a holy site for Buddhists and Jains. Vaishali has many temples and stupas dedicated to Lord Buddha. This is the place where Lord Buddha declared his Mahaparinirvana. This is one of the greatest events of his life. Lord Buddha visited this place several times during his lifetime. A legend is associated with this site. According to it, Lord Buddha saved Vaishali from a calamity. Vaishali is also known to be a place where the inclusion of women in the Sangha took place. Due to these reasons, pilgrims have a great regard for this spiritual destination. It is also known for the Ashoka Pillar, which was built by Ashoka. All the above-mentioned events make it one of the most visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar. Hence, if you are curious to know about the Buddhist destinations in Bihar, you must visit this place during your Bihar tour.
Located in Nalanda, Dona Stupa is another important Buddhist site to visit in Bihar. You should include this place in your Buddhism tour package as it holds great religious significance in Buddhism. This place is associated with Lord Buddha’s Maha Parinirvana. Pilgrims visit this site to pay homage to Lord Buddha. Dona Stupa is a lesser-known Buddhist pilgrimage site that holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhists. Hiuen Tsang mentioned in his travel memoirs that the Stupa was in a ruined state.
When Buddha got the Mahaparinirvana, there was a lot of dispute over the division of ashes. Dona, a Brahman, divided the ashes properly among the eight claimants. He was awarded a vessel for his work. The ashes were collected in the vessel before its division. He declared that he would preserve this vessel. Thus, he constructed a stupa to preserve this holy vessel, which is called Dona’s Stupa. Later, this stupa became a popular destination among the pilgrims. Today, you will see a grassy mound here, and a Hindu temple is constructed over it.
The Kesaria Stupa is also one of the top Buddhist sightseeing places in Bihar. This stupa is a testament to the devotion of Buddha followers. People believe that Lord Buddha’s relics are preserved here. For this reason, it holds a special place in the heart of devotees. Located in East Champaran, Kesariya Stupa continues to captivate tourists and pilgrims with its architectural brilliance. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to offer their prayers. They perform the parikrama of the stupa and feel the divine presence of Lord Buddha at this site. When they visit this monument, they feel that they are transported to the Buddhist era.
Located in Vaishali, Ghosrawan is one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar. It is popular because Lord Buddha delivered his final sermon here before getting Maha Parinirvana. The Ghosrawan Stupa is a beautiful monument and is a testament to the teachings of Buddha on mindfulness, morality, and compassion. Pilgrims from all over the world visit Ghosrawan to pay homage to the pilgrims. Visitors seek inspiration after visiting this Buddhist site.
This museum is also one of the best Buddhist sites to explore in Bihar. Located near the Nalanda University ruins, Nalanda Archaeological Museum houses a great collection of coins, pottery, and sculptures. This museum offers visitors a sneak peek into the cultural heritage of the country. It is visited by a large number of people from all over the world. They flock to this place to see the beautiful Buddhist sculptures.
Located near Nalanda University ruins, the Thai Monastery is one of the most beautiful places in Bihar. It is known for its beautiful interiors and exteriors. The monastery is a home to many monks who receive philosophical teachings here. Apart from monks, other visitors can also stay here and learn about the Buddha's ideologies.
You can visit several Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Bihar that will provide you with valuable insight into the Buddhist philosophies. From the holy Bodh Gaya to Vaishali, there are many places that you can consider visiting during your Buddhist pilgrimage tour. You can contact renowned travel agencies and book the best Buddhism tour packages. So, what are you waiting for? Choose the best pilgrim packages in India, visit the best Buddhist places in Bihar, and gain inner peace and enlightenment.