Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by KashKarti
Last edited February 13, 2026
VisualWikitext
>KashKarti
 
minor update
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|none}} <!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! -->
[[File:Great Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"[[Great Buddha (Bodh Gaya)|Great Buddha Statue]]" at [[Bodh Gaya]]]]
[[File:Great Buddha Statue, Bodh Gaya.jpg|thumb|right|350px|"[[Great Buddha (Bodh Gaya)|Great Buddha Statue]]" at [[Bodh Gaya]]]]


In [[religion]] and [[spirituality]], a pilgrimage is a long [[quest|journey]] or [[wikt:search|search]] of great [[moral]] significance. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or to a [[shrine]] of importance to a person's [[belief]]s and [[faith]]. Members of every major religion participate in pilgrimages. A person who makes such a journey is called a [[pilgrim]].
In [[religion]] and [[spirituality]], a pilgrimage is a long [[quest|journey]] or [[wikt:search|search]] of great [[moral]] significance. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or to a [[shrine]] of importance to a person's [[belief]]s and [[faith]]. Members of every major religion participate in pilgrimages. A person who makes such a journey is called a [[pilgrim]].


There are number of historical '''Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India'''.
There are number of historical '''Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the [[Republic of India]]'''.


==Places associated with the life of Buddha==
==Places associated with the life of Buddha==
Line 9: Line 10:
===Primary sites===
===Primary sites===
{{BuddhasHolySites}}
{{BuddhasHolySites}}
[[Buddhism]] offers four major sites of pilgrimage: the Buddha's birthplace at [[Lumbini]], the site where he attained Enlightenment [[Bodh Gaya]], where he first preached at [[Benaras]], and where he achieved [[Parinirvana]] at [[Kusinagara]]. These are three of the four holiest sites in [[Buddhism]]; the fourth, [[Lumbini]], the birthplace of the Buddha, is now in southern [[Nepal]]:
[[Buddhism]] offers four primary sites of pilgrimage: [[Lumbini]] (birthplace of [[the Buddha]]), [[Bodh Gaya]] (the site where the Buddha attained [[Enlightenment in Buddhism|enlightenment]]), [[Sarnath]] (the location of the Buddha’s first sermon), and [[Kushinagar]] (the location where the Buddha attained [[parinirvana]]). All of these sites are located in India except [[Lumbini]], which is located in southern [[Nepal]]. [[Bodh Gaya]] is the holiest site of Buddhism.


* '''[[Bodh Gaya]]''' in [[Bihar]], the site of the enlightenment of [[Gautama Buddha]]  under a tree and top site in the list of world heritage sites in India.
*[[Kesaria stupa]] is a [[Buddhist]] [[stupa]] in [[Kesariya]], located at a distance of 110 kilometres (68 mi) from [[Patna]], in the Champaran (east) district of [[Bihar]], [[India]]. The first construction of the Stupa is dated to the 3rd century BCE. Kesariya Stupa has a circumference of almost 400 feet (120 m) and raises to a height of about 104 feet (32 m).[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kesaria_stupa]
*[[Nalanda]] (Sanskrit: नालंंदा [[ISO 15919|ISO]]: Nālandā, <small>pronounced</small> [[Help:IPA/Sanskrit|[naːlən̪d̪aː]]]) was a renowned Buddhist University in the ancient kingdom of [[Magadha]] (modern-day [[Bihar]]) in [[India]].Buddhist texts describe it as a [[Mahavihara]], a revered [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery.
* '''[[Sarnath]]'''  near [[Varanasi]] in [[Uttar Pradesh]], the site of the first sermon ([[Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta]]), where Buddha taught about the [[Middle Way]], the [[Four Noble Truths]] and [[Noble Eightfold Path]].
* '''[[Kushinagar]]''' in Uttar Pradesh,  the site of the Buddha's [[parinirvana]] and home of many famous [[meditation]] & prayer offering sites in India.


<gallery widths="170px" heigt="200px">
<gallery widths="170px" heigt="200px">
Line 24: Line 20:
File:Stupa ruins in Kushinagar.jpg|Remains of ancient stupas in Kushinagar
File:Stupa ruins in Kushinagar.jpg|Remains of ancient stupas in Kushinagar
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[Image:Mahaparinirvana.jpg|600px|Reclining statue of Buddha at [[Parinirvana Stupa]].]]


===Places visited by Buddha for discourse===
===Places visited by Buddha for discourse===
Line 33: Line 28:
**[[Thotlakonda]] and [[Bojjannakonda]] in [[Visakhapatnam]]
**[[Thotlakonda]] and [[Bojjannakonda]] in [[Visakhapatnam]]
* [[Bihar]]: The name of Bihar is derived from [[vihara]], meaning monastery, such was the association of the area with Buddhism. In addition to these sites which were visited by the Buddha, other sites in India have become notable:
* [[Bihar]]: The name of Bihar is derived from [[vihara]], meaning monastery, such was the association of the area with Buddhism. In addition to these sites which were visited by the Buddha, other sites in India have become notable:
** [[Patna]],  — Formerly known as [[Pataliputra]], it was the seat of the [[Mauryan empire]] and a significant Buddhist centre
** [[Patna]] – Formerly known as [[Pataliputra]], it was the seat of the [[Mauryan empire]] and a significant Buddhist centre
** [[Rajgir]], [[Bihar]] — Formerly known as [[Rajagaha]], it was the capital of [[Magadha]], ruled by King [[Bimbisara]], one of the most prominent monarchs and supporters during the lifetime of the Buddha
** [[Rajgir]], [[Bihar]] – Formerly known as [[Rajagaha]], it was the capital of [[Magadha (Mahajanapada)|Magadha]], ruled by King [[Bimbisara]], one of the most prominent monarchs and supporters during the lifetime of the Buddha
** [[Nalanda]], [[Bihar]] — Site of an ancient Buddhist university, destroyed by [[Bakhtiyar Khalji]] during Islamic attacks
** [[Nalanda]], [[Bihar]] – Site of an ancient Buddhist university, destroyed by [[Bakhtiyar Khalji]] during Islamic attacks
** [[Sravasti]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] — Formerly known as [[Savatthi]], it was the capital of [[Kosala]], ruled by King [[Pasenadi]], one of the most prominent monarchs and supporters during the lifetime of the Buddha
** [[Sravasti]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] – Formerly known as [[Savatthi]], it was the capital of [[Kosala]], ruled by King [[Pasenadi]], one of the most prominent monarchs and supporters during the lifetime of the Buddha
** [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], [[Bihar]] — Seat of a republican state of the Lichchavis, prominent supporters of the Buddha. Site of the [[Second Buddhist Council]]
** [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]], [[Bihar]] – Seat of a republican state of the Lichchavis, prominent supporters of the Buddha. Site of the [[Second Buddhist Council]]
* [[Haryana]]: Sacred places in the order of travel by Buddha, where he gave several important discourses documented in the Pali texts. After visiting Mathura, he travelled along [[Grand Trunk Road]] in Haryana (also see [[History of Haryana#Buddhism|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Haryana]]).
* [[Haryana]]: Sacred places in the order of travel by Buddha, where he gave several important discourses documented in the Pali texts. After visiting Mathura, he travelled along [[Grand Trunk Road]] in Haryana (also see [[History of Haryana#Buddhism|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Haryana]]).
** From [[Mathura]] in Uttar Pradesh, Buddha travelled along [[Grand Trunk Road]] in Haryana (also see [[History of Haryana#Buddhism|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Haryana]]).
** From [[Mathura]] in Uttar Pradesh, Buddha travelled along [[Grand Trunk Road]] in Haryana (also see [[History of Haryana#Buddhism|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Haryana]]).
Line 62: Line 57:
* [[Ghantasala, Krishna district|Ghantasala]]
* [[Ghantasala, Krishna district|Ghantasala]]
*[[Gudivada]]
*[[Gudivada]]
* [[Guntupalli]]
* [[Guntupalle, Eluru district|Guntupalli]]
*[[Jaggayyapeta]]
*[[Jaggayyapeta]]
*[[Nagarjunakonda]]
*[[Nagarjunakonda]]
Line 71: Line 66:
*[[Undavalli Caves]]
*[[Undavalli Caves]]
* [[Visakhapatnam]]
* [[Visakhapatnam]]
===Arunachal Pradesh===
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
Please see Tibetan Buddhist section below, please do not add those to this list.


===Assam===
===Assam===
Line 86: Line 77:
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->


* [[Vikramshila]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegrandindianroute.com/blogs/top-buddhist-sites-in-india/|title=Top Buddhist Sites In India To Visit|language=en-IN}}</ref>
* [[Kesaria stupa]]
* [[Krimila]]
* [[Nalanda]]
* [[Odantapuri]]
* [[Odantapuri]]
* [[Saptaparni Cave]]
* [[Sujata Stupa]]
* [[Sujata Stupa]]
* [[Krimila]]
* [[Vaishali (ancient city)|Vaishali]]
* [[Vikramshila]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegrandindianroute.com/blogs/top-buddhist-sites-in-india/|title=Top Buddhist Sites In India To Visit|language=en-IN}}</ref>
* [[Vulture Peak]]


===Goa===
===Goa===
Line 103: Line 99:
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->


In 2021, it was announced that [[Buddhist_pilgrimage_sites_in_India#Haryana|Buddha Haryana circuit]] will be developed by the Centre [[48_Kos_Parikrama_of_Kurukshetra#in Kurukshetra for [[yatra]] (pilgrimage).<ref name=d21>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/cleanliness-of-tiraths-a-challenge-in-haryana-101627412369348.html Cleanliness of tiraths a challenge in Haryana], Hindustan Times, 27 July 2021.</ref>
In 2021, it was announced that Buddha Haryana circuit will be developed by the Centre for [[yatra]] (pilgrimage).<ref name=d21>[https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/cleanliness-of-tiraths-a-challenge-in-haryana-101627412369348.html Cleanliness of tiraths a challenge in Haryana], Hindustan Times, 27 July 2021.</ref>


Also see above the "places visited by Buddha for discourse" which has additional sites in Haryana.
Also see above the "places visited by Buddha for discourse" which has additional sites in Haryana.
 
* [[Adi Badri, Haryana]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://thebuddhistforum.com/wp/haryana-misses-the-buddha-moment-the-tribune.html |title=Haryana misses the Buddha moment : The Tribune &#124; the Buddhist Forum |access-date=2017-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628025026/http://thebuddhistforum.com/wp/haryana-misses-the-buddha-moment-the-tribune.html |archive-date=2017-06-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Adi Badri, Haryana]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://thebuddhistforum.com/wp/haryana-misses-the-buddha-moment-the-tribune.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2017-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628025026/http://thebuddhistforum.com/wp/haryana-misses-the-buddha-moment-the-tribune.html |archive-date=2017-06-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Mounds: [[Agroha Mound]], [[Sugh Ancient Mound]]
* Mounds: [[Agroha Mound]], [[Sugh Ancient Mound]]
* [[Pillars of Ashoka]]: ([[Firoz Shah Palace Complex#Hisar Ashokan Pillar|Hisar]], [[Fatehabad, Haryana#History|Fatehabad Ashokan Pillar]],<ref>[https://fatehabad.nic.in/tourist-place/lat-of-feroz-shah/ Lat of Feroz Shah]</ref> [[Topra Kalan#Topra Ashokan Edicts Archaeological Park and Museum|Topra Kalan Edicts Museum]])
* [[Pillars of Ashoka]]: ([[Firoz Shah Palace Complex#Hisar Ashokan Pillar|Hisar]], [[Fatehabad, Haryana#History|Fatehabad Ashokan Pillar]],<ref>[https://fatehabad.nic.in/tourist-place/lat-of-feroz-shah/ Lat of Feroz Shah]</ref> [[Topra Kalan#Topra Ashokan Edicts Archaeological Park and Museum|Topra Kalan Edicts Museum]])
Line 113: Line 108:
===Jammu and Kashmir===
===Jammu and Kashmir===
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
 
<!-- Please do not add Tibetan Buddhist sites to this list, add those to the "Tibetan Buddhist section" below. -->
Please do not add Tibetan Buddhist sites to this list, add those to the "Tibetan Buddhist section" below.
 
* Harwan, near [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Mughal Shalimar Garden]], dating from the fifth century  
* Harwan, near [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Mughal Shalimar Garden]], dating from the fifth century  
* [[Parihaspore]], 20&nbsp;km northeast of [[Srinagar]]  
* [[Parihaspore]], 20&nbsp;km northeast of [[Srinagar]]  
Line 130: Line 123:


* [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]], site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings depicting Buddhism
* [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]], site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings depicting Buddhism
* [[Karla Caves]] site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings
* [[Ellora]], site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings
* [[Ellora]], site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings
* [[Deekshabhoomi]], a new 20th century site associated with Bhimrao Ambedkar<ref>{{cite book|last=Lelyveld|first=Joseph|title=Great soul Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India|year=2011|publisher=Alfred A. Knopf|location=New York|isbn=978-0307595362|page=[https://archive.org/details/greatsoulmahatma0000lely/page/210 210]|url=https://archive.org/details/greatsoulmahatma0000lely|url-access=registration|quote=Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.|edition=1st}}</ref>
* [[Deekshabhoomi]], a new 20th century site associated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar<ref>{{cite book|last=Lelyveld|first=Joseph|title=Great soul Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India|year=2011|publisher=Alfred A. Knopf|location=New York|isbn=978-0307595362|page=[https://archive.org/details/greatsoulmahatma0000lely/page/210 210]|url=https://archive.org/details/greatsoulmahatma0000lely|url-access=registration|quote=Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.|edition=1st}}</ref>


===Odisha===
===Odisha===
Line 139: Line 133:
* [[Ratnagiri, Odisha|Ratnagiri]]
* [[Ratnagiri, Odisha|Ratnagiri]]
* [[Udayagiri, Odisha|Udayagiri]]
* [[Udayagiri, Odisha|Udayagiri]]
===Sikkim===
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
Please see Tibetan Buddhist section below, please do not add those to this list.
===Tamilnadu===
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
{{empty section|date=December 2019}}


===Telangana===
===Telangana===
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->


* [[Nelakondapalli]],<ref name="museums.ap.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://museums.ap.nic.in/b-sites.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-10-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209160246/http://museums.ap.nic.in/b-sites.htm |archivedate=2012-02-09 }}</ref>  
* [[Nelakondapalli]],<ref name="museums.ap.nic.in">{{cite web|url=http://museums.ap.nic.in/b-sites.htm |title=Dept. Of Archaeology & Museums |accessdate=2012-10-24 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209160246/http://museums.ap.nic.in/b-sites.htm |archivedate=2012-02-09 }}</ref>  
* [[Phanigiri]]
* [[Phanigiri]]


Line 162: Line 148:
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->


* [[Devadaha]]
* [[Kapilavastu (ancient city)|Kapilavastu]]
* [[Kausambi|Kosambi]]
* [[Kausambi|Kosambi]]
* [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]]
* [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]]
* [[Pāvā]] ([[Fazilnagar]] near [[Varanasi]]
* [[Pāvā]] ([[Fazilnagar]])
* [[Piprahwa]]


==Tibetan Buddhist sites==
==Tibetan Buddhist sites==
Line 180: Line 165:
** [[Palpung Monastery#Palpung in India|Palpung Sherabling Monastery]] at [[Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh|Baijnath]]
** [[Palpung Monastery#Palpung in India|Palpung Sherabling Monastery]] at [[Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh|Baijnath]]
** [[Tabo Monastery]], [[Spiti Valley]], [[Himachal Pradesh]]
** [[Tabo Monastery]], [[Spiti Valley]], [[Himachal Pradesh]]
** [[Rewalsar Lake]]
* [[Karnataka]]: [[Namdroling Monastery]] in [[Bylakuppe]] near [[Mysore]]
* [[Karnataka]]: [[Namdroling Monastery]] in [[Bylakuppe]] near [[Mysore]]
* [[Ladakh]]: [[Leh]]
* [[Ladakh]]: [[Leh]]
Line 186: Line 172:
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->
<!-- CAUTION Alphabetical list only -->


====Dubdi Monastery====
* [[Dubdi Monastery]], occasionally called 'Yuksom Monastery' is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[Vihara|monastery]] of the [[Nyingma]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] near [[Yuksom]], in the [[Geyzing]] subdivision of [[West Sikkim]] district.<ref name="Si">{{cite web|url=http://sikkiminfo.in/monasteries.htm|title=Monasteries|publisher=sikkiminfo.in|accessdate=November 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213055527/http://sikkiminfo.in/monasteries.htm|archivedate=February 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name=Dubdi>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/monasteries.htm|title=Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types|work=Dubdi Monastery|accessdate=2010-05-05|publisher=Sikkim Info}}</ref>
[[Dubdi Monastery]], occasionally called 'Yuksom Monastery' is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] [[Vihara|monastery]] of the [[Nyingma]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] near [[Yuksom]], in the [[Geyzing]] subdivision of [[West Sikkim]] district.<ref name="Si">{{cite web|url=http://sikkiminfo.in/monasteries.htm|title=Monasteries|publisher=sikkiminfo.in|accessdate=November 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213055527/http://sikkiminfo.in/monasteries.htm|archivedate=February 13, 2010}}</ref><ref name=Dubdi>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sikkiminfo.net/monasteries.htm|title=Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types|work=Dubdi Monastery|accessdate=2010-05-05|publisher=Sikkim Info}}</ref>
* [[Enchey Monastery]] is located in [[Gangtok]], the capital city of [[Sikkim]] in the Northeastern [[Indian state]]. It belongs to the [[Nyingma]] order of [[Vajrayana]] [[Buddhism]].
 
* [[Pemayangtse Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery in Pemayangtse, near [[Pelling]] in the northeastern [[Indian state]] of [[Sikkim]], located {{convert|140|km|mi}} west of [[Gangtok]].<ref name="bt">{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/pemayangtse-monastery.html|title=Pemayangtse Monastery|publisher=Buddhist Tourism|accessdate=November 7, 2009}}</ref>
====Enchey Monastery====
* [[Ralang Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery of the [[Kagyu]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] in southern [[Sikkim]], northeastern [[India]]. It is located six kilometres from [[Ravangla]].<ref name="Temples">{{cite web|url=
[[Enchey Monastery]] is located in [[Gangtok]], the capital city of [[Sikkim]] in the Northeastern [[Indian state]]. It belongs to the [[Nyingma]] order of [[Vajrayana]] [[Buddhism]].
 
====Pemayangtse Monastery====
[[Pemayangtse Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery in Pemayangtse, near [[Pelling]] in the northeastern [[Indian state]] of [[Sikkim]], located {{convert|140|km|mi}} west of [[Gangtok]].<ref name="bt">{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/pemayangtse-monastery.html|title=Pemayangtse Monastery|publisher=Buddhist Tourism|accessdate=November 7, 2009}}</ref>
 
====Ralang Monastery====
[[Ralang Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery of the [[Kagyu]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] in southern [[Sikkim]], northeastern [[India]]. It is located six kilometres from [[Ravangla]].<ref name="Temples">{{cite web|url=
http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/ralang-monastery.html
http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-monastery/sikkim/ralang-monastery.html
|title=Ralang Monastery|publisher=Buddhist-temples.com|accessdate=November 21, 2009}}</ref>
|title=Ralang Monastery|publisher=Buddhist-temples.com|accessdate=November 21, 2009}}</ref>
* [[Rumtek Monastery]] also called the "Dharmachakra Centre", is a [[gompa]] located in the [[India]]n state of [[Sikkim]] near the capital [[Gangtok]]. It is a focal point for the sectarian tensions within the [[Karma Kagyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] that characterize the [[Karmapa controversy]].
* [[Tashiding Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery of the [[Nyingma]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] in Western [[Sikkim]], northeastern [[India]]. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the [[Rangeet River]].
* [[Tawang Monastery]] in the [[States and Union Territories of India|Indian]] state of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after the [[Potala Palace]] in [[Lhasa]], [[Tibet]].
* [[Zang Dhok Palri Phodang]] is a [[Buddhist]] monastery in [[Kalimpong]] in [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The monastery is located atop [[Durpin Hill]], one of the two hills of the town. It was consecrated in 1976 by the visiting [[Dalai Lama]].


====Rumtek Monastery====
[[Rumtek Monastery]] also called the "Dharmachakra Centre", is a [[gompa]] located in the [[India]]n state of [[Sikkim]] near the capital [[Gangtok]]. It is a focal point for the sectarian tensions within the [[Karma Kagyu]] school of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] that characterize the [[Karmapa controversy]].
====Tashiding Monastery====
[[Tashiding Monastery]] is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monastery of the [[Nyingma]] sect of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] in Western [[Sikkim]], northeastern [[India]]. It is located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the [[Rangeet River]].
====Tawang Monastery====
[[Tawang Monastery]] in the [[States and Union Territories of India|Indian]] state of [[Arunachal Pradesh]] is the largest monastery in India and second largest in the world after the [[Potala Palace]] in [[Lhasa]], [[Tibet]].
====Zang Dhok Palri Phodang====
[[Zang Dhok Palri Phodang]] is a [[Buddhist]] monastery in [[Kalimpong]] in [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The monastery is located atop [[Durpin Hill]], one of the two hills of the town. It was consecrated in 1976 by the visiting [[Dalai Lama]].
====Gallery====
<gallery widhts="240px" heights="200px">
<gallery widhts="240px" heights="200px">
File:Tawang Monastery Doorway Mandala.jpg|The Manadala at the "Kakaling", the entry gate to the [[Tawang Monastery]].
File:Tawang Monastery Doorway Mandala.jpg|The Manadala at the "Kakaling", the entry gate to the [[Tawang Monastery]]
File:Main Shrine of Pemangytse Gompa with prayer flags.jpg|[[Pemayangtse Monastery]].
File:Main Shrine of Pemangytse Gompa with prayer flags.jpg|[[Pemayangtse Monastery]]
File:Zang Dhok Palri Phodang 01.jpg|The [[Zang Dhok Palri Phodang]] monastery atop Durpin Hill.
File:Zang Dhok Palri Phodang 01.jpg|The [[Zang Dhok Palri Phodang]] monastery atop Durpin Hill
File:PrayerWheelsRumtek.JPG|Prayer Wheels in the [[Rumtek Monastery]].
File:PrayerWheelsRumtek.JPG|Prayer Wheels in the [[Rumtek Monastery]]
File:Window of prayer hall, Enchey.jpg|Ornately carved colourful Window of [[Enchey Monastery]].
File:Window of prayer hall, Enchey.jpg|Ornately carved colourful Window of [[Enchey Monastery]]
File:Yuksom Dubdi Gompa.jpg|[[Dubdi Monastery]].
File:Yuksom Dubdi Gompa.jpg|[[Dubdi Monastery]]
File:The golden chorten - tashiding.jpg|The Golden Chorten near [[Tashiding Monastery]].
File:The golden chorten - tashiding.jpg|The Golden Chorten near [[Tashiding Monastery]]
File:Ralong monastery - top view.jpg|[[Ralang Monastery]].
File:Ralong monastery - top view.jpg|[[Ralang Monastery]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{wide image|Vikramjit-Kakati-Rumtek.jpg|800px|[[Rumtek Monastery]], Sikkim, India.}}
{{wide image|Vikramjit-Kakati-Rumtek.jpg|800px|[[Rumtek Monastery]], Sikkim, India}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 235: Line 205:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== Further reading ==
*{{cite book |last1=Goldberg |first1=Kory |last2=Decary |first2=Michelle |title=The Meditator's Companion to Pilgrimage in the Buddha's India and Nepal |date=2013|publisher=Pariyatti Publishing |isbn= 9781938754555|pages=455|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=98_HDwAAQBAJ |access-date=18 January 2025 }} (First Edition 2009)
{{commons category|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India}}
{{commons category|Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India}}


==External links==
==External links==
;Web
;
* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-pilgrimage.html Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]
* [http://www.buddhist-temples.com/buddhist-pilgrimage.html Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]
* [http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/pilgrim/places.htm Pilgrims Guide to Buddhist India: Buddhist Sites]
* [http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/pilgrim/places.htm Pilgrims Guide to Buddhist India: Buddhist Sites]
;Videos:
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clv-spdZfVM Youtube: Lord Buddha & Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India] —''A Documentary in Hindi''


[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India| ]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India| ]]
[[Category:Buddhism in India|Pilgrimages]]
[[Category:Buddhism in India|Pilgrimages]]
[[Category:Buddhist buildings in India|Pilgrimages]]
[[Category:Buddhist buildings and structures in India|Pilgrimages]]
[[Category:Pilgrimage in India]]
[[Category:Pilgrimage in India]]
[[Category:Lists of pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Lists of pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:India religion-related lists]]
[[Category:India religion-related lists]]

Latest revision as of 16:43, 13 February 2026


"Great Buddha Statue" at Bodh Gaya

In religion and spirituality, a pilgrimage is a long journey or search of great moral significance. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or to a shrine of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Members of every major religion participate in pilgrimages. A person who makes such a journey is called a pilgrim.

There are number of historical Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the Republic of India.

Places associated with the life of Buddha[edit | edit source]

Primary sites[edit | edit source]

Pilgrimage to
Buddha's
Holy Sites
The Four Main Sites
Four Additional Sites
Other Sites
Later Sites

Buddhism offers four primary sites of pilgrimage: Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha), Bodh Gaya (the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment), Sarnath (the location of the Buddha’s first sermon), and Kushinagar (the location where the Buddha attained parinirvana). All of these sites are located in India except Lumbini, which is located in southern Nepal. Bodh Gaya is the holiest site of Buddhism.


Places visited by Buddha for discourse[edit | edit source]

Other prominent historic Buddhist sites by state[edit | edit source]

All are the historic ancient sites of learning, and the list includes very few relatively new sites which have been specifically highlighted accordingly. Most of these sites have association with Ashoka and other Buddhist kings.

Andhra Pradesh[edit | edit source]

Assam[edit | edit source]

Bihar[edit | edit source]

Goa[edit | edit source]

Gujarat[edit | edit source]

Haryana[edit | edit source]

In 2021, it was announced that Buddha Haryana circuit will be developed by the Centre for yatra (pilgrimage).[6]

Also see above the "places visited by Buddha for discourse" which has additional sites in Haryana.

Jammu and Kashmir[edit | edit source]

Madhya Pradesh[edit | edit source]

Maharashtra[edit | edit source]

  • Ajanta, site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings depicting Buddhism
  • Karla Caves site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings
  • Ellora, site of intricate Buddhist cave paintings
  • Deekshabhoomi, a new 20th century site associated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar[9]

Odisha[edit | edit source]

Telangana[edit | edit source]

Tripura[edit | edit source]

Uttar Pradesh[edit | edit source]

Tibetan Buddhist sites[edit | edit source]

By state[edit | edit source]

Sikkim[edit | edit source]

Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, India

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Dhamma patthana, dhamma.org.
  2. ↑ Aastha Pugdal Pagoda at Kumaspur (Kamas Nigam in Sonepat, SDBST.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Dept. Of Archaeology & Museums". Archived from the original on 2012-02-09. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
  4. ↑ "Top Buddhist Sites In India To Visit".
  5. ↑ New Buddha site found in Gujarat
  6. ↑ Cleanliness of tiraths a challenge in Haryana, Hindustan Times, 27 July 2021.
  7. ↑ "Haryana misses the Buddha moment : The Tribune | the Buddhist Forum". Archived from the original on 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2017-07-09.
  8. ↑ Lat of Feroz Shah
  9. ↑ Lelyveld, Joseph (2011). Great soul Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India (1st ed.). New York: Alfred A. Knopf. p. 210. ISBN 978-0307595362. Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Din.
  10. ↑ "Monasteries". sikkiminfo.in. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types". Dubdi Monastery. Sikkim Info. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  12. ↑ "Pemayangtse Monastery". Buddhist Tourism. Retrieved November 7, 2009.
  13. ↑ "Ralang Monastery". Buddhist-temples.com. Retrieved November 21, 2009.

Further reading[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Buddhist_pilgrimage_sites_in_India&oldid=446605"
Discover more