Important Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in Bihar

In Bihar we found reflections of both religious and cultural significance. Bodhgaya is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages. It is the birthplace of Buddhism. Because Gautam Buddh, the founder of Buddhism, found supreme knowledge and enlightenment. Also, there are many Buddhist pilgrimages in Bihar.

Moreover, we found many powerful kingdoms of Ancient India like the Magadha Empire, Mahajanpad, Mithila etc. They are associated with Sanatana Dharma and Buddhism. Some of them contributed to the Buddhist Pilgrimage. So, let us discuss Buddhist Pilgrims and their origin in detail and know the classical History of Bihar. 

Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites

Bodhgaya

• Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage. Here, Gautam Buddh found enlightenment under a Peepal tree. 

• Bodhgaya is near the bank of river Niranjana. So, Uruwel is also the name of this place. 

• Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya) was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002 by UNESCO.

Pragbodhi

• Pragbodhi is also a Buddhist pilgrimage in Bihar. 

• Pragbodhi means ” prior to enlightenment.” 

• In Prag Bodhi, Buddha practised asceticism. He wants to find the reason for human suffering and the solution to life from pain. 

• This place is near the bank of the river Phalgu and located on the top of a mountain.

Barabar Caves

• Barabar caves were built from 322 to185 BC. It was the oldest rock-cut cave in India. 

• It is near the twin hills of Barabar and Nagarjuna of Makhdumpur Block of Jehanabad district, Bihar. 

Champanagar

• Champanagar Buddhist pilgrimage is situated in the Bhagalpur district. 

• This place is famous for sermons from Lord Buddha. 

• Gaggara’s Lotus Lake is the main source of attraction for tourists here. This lake is famous for its beautiful lotus. 

Dona Stupa

• Dona stupa is known for the holy vessel turned into a grassy mound.

• A temple is situated over a mound. The idol of goddess Tara is worshipped here.

• There is a story behind the Dona Stupa. After the Buddha’s Parinirvana, his ashes were divided among the four Buddha disciples. 

Ghosrawan

• Ghosrawan is located near Sharif, Bihar. 

• Here 10 feet tall shiny black stone image of Lord Buddha is situated. 

• Travan is also the centre of attraction for tourists because of Bodhisattvas. 

Grupa

• Grupa is a Buddhist pilgrimage in Bihar. It is 40 km away from Bodh Gaya. 

• According to the story, it is the place where Mahakassapa waited for Maitreya.

Hajipur

• Hajipur Buddhist pilgrimage is located near Patna. 

• This place was previously known as Ukkacala. 

• This site is popular for the mortal remains of Ananda. He was the disciple of Lord Buddha.

Indasala Cave

• Indasala cave is situated near the Rajgir. 

• It is famous for the Sakka Panha Sutta discourse delivered by Buddha. When Sakka approached to seek answers to his eight questions to Buddha, he delivered a speech to him. 

Sethian

• In sethian, King Bimbisara meets the Buddha with his wife. 

• The stupa was constructed over Supittha Cetiya as the centre of attraction. 

Kesaria Stupa

• It is situated in the East Champaran district of Bihar.

• Here Buddha delivered his discourse ‘Kalama Sutta to the Kalama people’. 

• Kessaputta is the name of this place. 

• This Buddhist Pilgrimage is the largest stupa globally, with six-floor structures. 

Nalanda University

• Nalanda University is the largest Buddhist monastery and the first Indian residential university founded by Kumar Gupta. 

• It is said that knowledge of this university comes from the literary work of the Chinese pilgrim. 

• Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji destroyed it in 1193.

• It was excavated under the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 1960-69.

Vaishali

• The capital city of Licchavi, which is the republic of the world.

• Gautam Buddha had delivered his last sermons here. He declared his prospective Mahaparinirvan in Vaishali. 

• The Second Buddhist Council was held here. 

Rajgir

• Rajgir is an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Rajgir means Abode of the kings. 

• The first ancient capital city of Magadha Kingdom. 

• Shanti Stupa, Gridhakuta Hill, Ancient Ruins and Saptparni are tourist places. 

• The first Buddhist Council was held here. And decided to preserve the Buddha’s teaching (sutta) and rules of the Buddhism discipline.

• Kings Bimbisara and Ajatashatru are associated with this city. 

Conclusion

From the above discussion, we get a deep study on the importance of the Buddhist Pilgrimage in Bihar. So, we can say that Bihar is where Gautam Buddha began his search. He wants the answers to human suffering, and he gets enlightenment under the Mahabodhi or peepal tree of Bodh Gaya. Thus, Bodh Gaya is the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage. Now, the Mahabodhi Tree is occupied by the Mahabodhi Temple. We found the sacred footsteps of Lord Buddha here. This Buddhist Pilgrimage helps to describe the feeling of devotion. Also, it creates a relationship with the historical figures associated with the pilgrimage site.