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Buddhist Circuit in Bihar


Buddhist Circuit


            Bihar is the land from where Buddha began his journey to search the solution for suffering and finally got enlightened. The magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the revered Bodhi tree attract Buddhist pilgrims from all parts of the world. It is here that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and propounded a new religion known as Buddhism which is today followed by millions of people throughout the world. The sacred footsteps of the Buddha, evolved into pilgrimages are trailed through the Buddhist Circuit.

Important Buddhist Sites :

Vaishali

Vaishali is a famous city adorned by humerous Buddhist spots and the seat of first republic of the world. Vaishali was made immortal with frequent visits of Lord Buddha who came here to give sermons and lectures. The main attractions of the city are Ashoka Pillar, Buddha Stupa. Fort of King Vishal and Shanti Stupa. Patna is just 55 km from here and is well connected with number of busess.

 Nalanda

Nalanda was the seat of learning thousands of years ago and the remains of the residential university. At the peak of its glory, this residential university housed more than 10,000 students and over 2000 teachers from around the world. Nalanda came into prominence when Lord Buddha visited here to deliver sermons and speeches. Apart from the ruins of Great Nalanda University, one gets to see here some wonderful collections in Nalanda Archaeological Museum. Situated opposite the university complex, the museum houses both Hindu and Buddhist bronze statues, some of which are undamaged. The main attraction in the museum is the two huge terracotta jars of the first century. One can also visit the Nava Nalanda Maahavihara, which is an institute completely dedicated to study and research in Pali Literature and Buddhism. Nalanda is situated around 90 km from Patna.

Bodh Gaya


This is undoubtedly the most important Buddhist destination in India and probably in the world too. It is here that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi Tree and became Lord Budddha and gave rise to a new religion called Buddhism. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world pay visit to the famous Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree and other revered places. Bodh Gaya is scattered with numerous stupas carved with statues of Lord Buddha in different postures. There are many international monasteries and temples here that belong to different countries. The Most beautiful and grand one is the Thai Temple situated on the western side of Mahabodhi Temple. Bodh Gaya is nearly 110 km from Patna and is well connected by road and rail transportation.

Rajgir


Rajgir is situated just 10 kms. From Nalanda. Lord Buddha used to give sermons here on the Griddhkut Hill, which has made it a special place for Buddhists. Just 10 km from Rajgir is Kundalpur having a famous Jain Temple and Pawapuri- The most sacred place for jains, where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana and eternal Salvation. The main attractions of Rajgir are the Ajatashatru’s Fort Bimbisara’s Jail, Swarna Bhandar, the Peace Pagoda and the Cyclopean wall. The peace pagoda is situated on top of the Griddhkut hill. A path is there to reach the top of the hill, but the best way to reach the hill top of and aerial chairlift. The views over the Rajgir Hills will leave on mesmerized and spellbound.  

Kesaria, East Champaran


Kesaria has a lofty brick mound capped by a solid brick tower of considerable size, which is the remains of a Buddhist Stupa. The mound is a ruin with a diameter of 68 feet at its base and a total height of 5.1/2 feet. Originally it was crowned by a pinnacle which must have stood 80 or 90 feet above the ground. General Cunningham dated this monument AD 200 to 700,  and held that it was built upon the ruins of a much older and larger stupa. Interestingly, Kesariya stupa is believed to have been built to honour the place where Lord Buddha had spent the last days of his Journey, before attaining Nirvana. It is said that Lord Buddha handed over his begging bowl to the Lichhivis, people of Vaishali and requested them to go back to Vaishali after his death to venerate the end of the life of Lord Buddha, the Lichhivis are said to have built this stupa. While formerly, it was only a mud strap, it gained its present structure in the Maurya, Sung and Kushana period.

Lauria Nandangarh 



Lauria Nadangarh is a rural community in the region of Champaran. An attractive skeleton of an enormous strap is present here. It is a 26 meter elevated ancient block reflected to be the stupa where the remains of Lord Buddha were preserved. At a distance of half km From the community, the renowned pillar of King Ashoka exists. The pillar is the only slab of refined stone more than 32 feet (10 m) tall. The peak is bell formed with a round clone decorated by Brahmi birds sustaining the figure of a lion. The pillar is emblazsoned by the decree of Ashoka in apparent and delightfully hack lettering.

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