Indian Buddhist Sites

Indian Buddhist Sites are one of the best ways to know more about Buddha and Buddhism, and are located in the various Indian states.

Indian Buddhist sites are numerous in number which are scattered throughout the length and breadth of Asia.

A majority of these renowned regions are closely associated with the life of Lord Gautama Buddha and have been visited by Buddha either for preaching Buddhist principles or for meditation. To transform himself from 'Siddhartha' to 'Sakyamuni' and then to Buddha he had travelled far and wide on various purposes.

Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is one of the most well known places for Buddhists which lies in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. The most important attraction here is the Bodhi tree under which Gautama attained Enlightenment. Another attraction here is the Mahabodhi Temple.

Sarnath
The Deer Park in Sarnath is the place where Buddha delivered his first discourse, through which he had preached the 'four noble truths' and their associated principles. The place is situated near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Today there are some of most exquisite Buddhist monuments in Sarnath.
Kushinagar
Kushinagar town in Uttar Pradesh is the site where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana following His demise and it was referred to as 'Kushavati' or 'Jatakas' during ancient periods.
 
Rajgir 
Rajgir, situated in Bihar was once a capital of the Magadha kingdom which later developed into Mauryan Empire and is believed to have come into existence during 1000 BC.

Vaishali 
Vaishali is present in Bihar and is called so since it was extensive or 'Vishal' as per the Hindi language, according to a Theravadin scholar and Buddhist commentator known as Buddhaghosa who lived during the 5th century.
Sanchi
This Buddhist site is located in Madhya Pradesh, India. This is the place, which was converted to a Buddhist retreat. The Great Stupa here was built by emperor Ashoka and is said to be amongst the most ancient stone structures in India.
 
Ajanta
The figure of 'Padmapani' or 'Avalokiteshvara' is to be found here. There are 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves at Ajanta in Maharashtra.

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