“Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma-Sambuddhassa.”
For devout followers of Buddhism and spiritual seekers alike, the Eight Great Places of Buddhist Pilgrimage stand as profound reminders of the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and his enduring legacy. These sacred sites inspire faith and reverence and offer an opportunity to retrace the steps of the Enlightened One.
If you plan a Buddhist pilgrimage with Bodhisattva Travels, this guide will help you explore these spiritually significant destinations.
The Origins of Buddhist Pilgrimage
More than 2,500 years ago, on a hot summer day in the ancient city of Kusinara (modern Kushinagar), the Buddha lay between two Sala trees on the right flank facing west, with head towards the north, preparing to enter Mahaparinibbana (final liberation).
Buddha has already announced at Vaishali, about his decision to attain Parinibbana within three months. The Sala trees blossomed without season and the flowers were showering on the enlightened one.
In his final moments, Venerable Ananda, his close disciple, expressed his concern that after the Buddha’s passing, monks and devotees would no longer have the opportunity to seek his guidance or pay their respects.
The Buddha’s reply became a guiding light for future generations. He advised his followers to visit four sacred places associated with his life. These sites, he said, would inspire faith, devotion, and spiritual urgency.
Buddha said that after he has attained Mahaparinibbana these are the four places where every devoted person must visit and look with deep respect.
The Four Most Sacred Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites:
These four locations are central to the Buddha’s journey and must be visited with deep reverence:
1. Lumbini: The Birthplace of the Buddha
- Location: Rupandehi District, Nepal
- Significance: Lumbini is where Queen Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who would later become the Buddha. This tranquil site, surrounded by lush gardens, includes the sacred Maya Devi Temple and the Ashokan Pillar, erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE to mark the spot.
- What to Do: Offer prayers at the temple, meditate by the sacred pond, and experience the serenity of the Buddha’s birthplace.
2. Bodhgaya: The Place of Enlightenment
- Location: Bihar, India
- Significance: Under the sacred Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, Siddhartha Gautama attained Sambodhi (supreme enlightenment), becoming the Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks this hallowed ground.
- What to Do: Meditate near the Bodhi Tree, circumambulate the Mahabodhi Temple, and soak in the spiritual energy of this revered site.
3. Sarnath: The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
- Significance: Sarnath is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, setting the Dhamma (teachings) into motion. The Dhamek Stupa and the remains of ancient monasteries reflect the historical and spiritual significance of this site.
- What to Do: Visit the Dhamek Stupa, explore the Sarnath Museum, and reflect on the Buddha’s teachings at this serene location.
4. Kushinagar: The Place of Mahaparinibbana
What to Do: Pay homage at the reclining Buddha statue, meditate in the tranquil gardens, and connect with the profound stillness of this sacred site.
Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
Significance: Kushinagar is where the Buddha attained Mahaparinibbana, leaving his mortal body and entering final liberation. The reclining Buddha statue in the Mahaparinibbana Temple beautifully depicts his peaceful last moments.
The Four Additional Places of Supreme Miracles
In addition to the core pilgrimage sites, the Buddha performed remarkable miracles at four other locations. These sites further emphasize his spiritual power and compassion.
1. Rajgir: Subduing Nalagiri, the Charging Elephant
- Location: Bihar, India
- Significance: In Rajgir, the Buddha demonstrated his compassion and fearlessness by calming Nalagiri, a maddened elephant unleashed to attack him.
- What to Do: Explore the Vulture’s Peak (Griddhakuta), meditate on the teachings of non-violence, and visit the ruins of ancient monasteries.
2. Vaishali: The Monkey’s Offering of Honey
- Location: Bihar, India
- Significance: A monkey offered honey to the Buddha at Vaishali, symbolizing humility and devotion. It was also here that the Buddha announced his impending Parinibbana.
- What to Do: Visit the Ashokan Pillar, meditate by the relic stupa, and reflect on the impermanence of life.
3. Sravasti: The Twin Miracles
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
- Significance: At Sravasti, the Buddha performed the Yamaka Patihariya (twin miracles), simultaneously emitting flames and water from his body to inspire faith in his teachings.
- What to Do: Visit Jetavana Monastery, meditate under the ancient trees, and delve into the miraculous stories of the Buddha.
4. Sankasiya: The Buddha’s Descent from Heaven
- Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
- Significance: After preaching the Abhidhamma to his mother in the Tavatimsa Heaven, the Buddha descended to Earth at Sankasiya, demonstrating his connection to all beings.
- What to Do: Visit the Ashokan Pillar and the site of the Buddha’s descent, and contemplate his teachings of compassion and interconnectedness.
Together these make the eight great places of Buddhist Circuit Pilgrimage.
The Spiritual Benefits of Buddhist Pilgrimage
The Buddha emphasized that visiting these sacred sites with a pure heart and deep reverence can inspire faith and spiritual progress. He even stated that those who pass away on a pilgrimage to these places with a pious heart would be reborn in a state of bliss.
Each site offers unique insights into the Buddha’s life and teachings, creating a transformative experience for pilgrims. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, historical exploration, or spiritual awakening, the Eight Great Places of Buddhist Pilgrimage provide an unparalleled journey into the heart of Buddhism.
Plan Your Buddhist Pilgrimage with Bodhisattva Travels
At Bodhisattva Travels, we specialize in curating meaningful Buddhist pilgrimages that bring you closer to the life and teachings of the Buddha. Our guided tours to the Eight Great Places offer:
- Expert insights into the historical and spiritual significance of each site.
- Opportunities for meditation and reflection at sacred locations.
- Comfortable travel arrangements to ensure a stress-free experience.
Embark on a transformative journey with us and walk in the footsteps of the Buddha. Let these sacred sites inspire your heart, deepen your faith, and bring you closer to enlightenment.
Start your journey today! Contact Bodhisattva Travels to plan your personalized Buddhist pilgrimage. Together, let’s explore the timeless teachings and sacred sites of the Buddha.
