India is a land of rich cultural heritage, with a history dating back thousands of years. The country has been the birthplace of many great religions, including Buddhism, which has its roots in India. The Buddha tourism circuit, also known as the Buddhist circuit of India, is a popular pilgrimage route that covers the major Buddhist sites in the country. This circuit is a must-visit for anyone interested in the teachings of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.
One of the most important places on the Buddhist circuit is Bodh Gaya, located in the state of Bihar. This is the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple, built at the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment, is a major attraction for visitors. The temple complex also includes the famous Bodhi tree, which is believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha meditated.
Another important site on the Buddhist circuit is Sarnath, located near Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The Dhamekh Stupa, built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, is the most prominent structure at Sarnath. The site also includes several other ancient Buddhist structures, including monasteries and temples.
The city of Kushinagar, also in Uttar Pradesh, is another important destination on the Buddhist circuit. This is the place where the Buddha passed away and attained Parinirvana. The Mahaparinirvana Temple, built on the site where the Buddha passed away, is a major attraction for visitors. The site also includes several other important structures, including the Mathakuar Shrine and the Ramabhar Stupa.
In addition to these major sites, there are several other destinations on the Buddhist circuit that are worth visiting. The city of Rajgir in Bihar, which was an important centre of Buddhist learning in ancient times, is also worth a visit. The ruins of the ancient Nalanda University, located nearby, are also a major attraction for visitors.
The Buddhist circuit in Uttar Pradesh is also home to several other important sites, including the city of Shravasti, where the Buddha spent several rainy seasons. The holy city of Sravasti has several important Buddhist structures, including Pakki Kutti, Sahet Mahet and the Jetavana monastery. The Buddhist circuit of India is a must-visit for anyone interested in the teachings of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism.
This circuit covers several important sites, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, and is a great way to learn more about the life and teachings of the Buddha. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, a visit to these sites is sure to be a memorable and enlightening experience. So, if you want to plan your trip today and embark on a journey of spiritual discovery through the Buddhist circuit of India, then simply hop aboard IRCTC’s Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train. An extraordinary train, it takes pilgrims on a soul-soothing journey across the most prominent Buddhist circuit places in India and Nepal. It is the most comfortable way of traversing the Buddhist circuit in India without any hassle. Want to complete your train booking? Visit the official website at www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com.