Buddhist Pilgrimage Route

Overview:

India is the spiritual heartland of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha lived, meditated, attained enlightenment, and spread his teachings. The Buddhist Pilgrimage Route, also known as the Buddhist Circuit, connects all the important sites associated with the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Lord Buddha) — from his birth and enlightenment to his first sermon and Mahaparinirvana.

This sacred journey takes pilgrims through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal, offering a chance to retrace the footsteps of the Enlightened One and experience the timeless peace of Buddhist culture and architecture.

The Main Buddhist Pilgrimage Route (Four Holy Sites)

1. Lumbini – The Birthplace of Lord Buddha (Nepal)

• Located in the Rupandehi District of Nepal, Lumbini marks the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama in 623 BCE.
• Visit Maya Devi Temple, Ashokan Pillar, and the Sacred Garden.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Bodhgaya – The Enlightenment Site (Bihar, India)

• The holiest Buddhist site, where Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and became the Buddha.
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex (UNESCO site)
• Bodhi Tree & Vajrasana (Diamond Throne)
• Animesh Lochana Temple, Great Buddha Statue, and Buddhist monasteries built by various nations.
• A must-visit for meditation and global Buddhist learning.