There are several Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India as well as in other Asian countries. Starting from his birth town to the place where he attained parinirvana, all the important places involving the life of Gautama Buddha are vital religious centers for the Buddhists. While some are crucial because Buddha had visited there others are important because of the Buddhist temples or because of Buddha`s disciples.
Lumbini: This is the sacred place where Gautama Buddha was born. It is situated in the Rupandehi District of Nepal. Lumbini is quite close to the Indian border. Since it is the birthplace of Buddha it is the foremost religious center or Buddhists.
Bodh Gaya: The Bodhi tree is located here, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The pilgrims can also visit the Mahabodhi Temple that was built by emperor Ashoka.
Vaishali: The pilgrims come to Vaishali to check out the exquisite monuments that have been built in the memory of Buddha. Ashokan pillars, Shanti Stupa and Buddha stupas are to be found here. Till date it remains an important Buddhist pilgrimage center.
Patna: This is the erstwhile Pataliputra. The Third Buddhist Council took place here. Apart from this the capital state of Bihar lies in close proximity with the other important Buddhist pilgrimage centers.
Rajgir: The beautiful Shanti Stupa adorns this place in Bihar. It is also steeped in legends involving the Buddha and his follower, King Bimbisara. Buddha had spent 12 years of his life at this place and the city has also witnessed the First Buddhist Council.
Vikramasila: Vikramshila is more important as the learning center for Buddhism. This is one of those learning centers where tantric Buddhism is taught. Located in the state of Bihar it was one of the most important centers for Buddhists.
Sarnath: This is the place where Buddha delivered his first discourse. One of his friends also became his disciple and thus the Sangha started. The Sanchi stupa commemorates the visit of Buddha. It was built by Emperor Akbar.
Nalanda: The oldest learning center for Buddhism is in Nalanda. Chinese Buddhist pilgrims like Hiuen Tsang also visited this place. For archaeologists too this is an important site.
Kapilavastu : It is here that Buddha had spent his early years as a prince. He had also renounced the world at Kapilavastu. After attaining enlightenment he came back to his native city to deliver sermons.
Gaya: One of the most important sermons in Buddhism is the Fire Sermon. At Gaya Buddha delivered this discourse. Hence it an important city that had witnessed a vital Buddhist event. This place too is located in Bihar.
Kusinara: Kusinara is the most revered of all pilgrimage centers for the Buddhists because here Buddha attained
Mahaparinirvana.
The other Buddhist pilgrimage centers in India are
