What do the Buddhist Temples signify?
Since time immemorial, India has been an epicentre of spiritual knowledge.
The country takes great pride in being the birthplaces of numerous masters,
saints, mentors and sages. 'Buddha' comes from the Sanskrit word 'Bodh'
meaning knowledge. And Buddha means ' one who has attained all knowledge.
One should gain knowledge in order to achieve piece and happiness throughout
one's life. There are four chief Buddhist pilgrimage destinations in India.
Which are the major sites of Buddhist Temples?
» Bodhgaya, Bihar (13 km from Gaya, 90 km south of
Patna)
Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Gautama attained enlightenment, thus
becoming known as Lord Budha. This is one of the four holiest pilgrimage
sites of the Buddhists. There have been built a number of temples and
monasteries by Buddhists from all around the globe. Myriad of devotees and
visitors arrive here to gain an insight into the teachings of Lord Buddha.
» Lumbini, Nepal-India Border
Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha was born in 623 BC. It is located in
the foothills of the Churiya range and is held in high esteem by the
Buddhists from all around. Hordes of Buddhists, as well as visitors, arrive
here to pay their homage to this significant site.
»
Nalanda, Bihar
Nalanda is one of the oldest centres of learning in the world. This is the
place where Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira stayed and conveyed their messages
to the people. The remains of 11 monasteries and a number of Chaityas have
been excavated to bring to the world the miracles of the past.
» Vaishali, Bihar
Vaishali was the erstwhile resort of Lord Budhha. He spent a considerable
amount of time here. It is the very place where Buddha has his famous
encounter with the prostitute Ambapali.
» Rajgir, Bihar
Rajgir is a highly revered place for both the Buddhists and the Jains. Here
also lies the Saptaparni Cave where the first Buddhist council was held. The
Venuvara, a bamboo grove, is the site where Lord Buddha used to meditate.
The Jivakamanana monastery is another attraction of the place.
Which are the chief Buddhist Temples and Monasteries?
» Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
skillfully hewn out of rock, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are considered to
be the masterpieces of Buddhist art. The exquisite murals and the splendid
sculptural work invite tourists and visitors from every corner of the globe.
The murals on the inside walls of the caves depict scenes relating to
Buddha's life.
» Dhankar Monastery, Himachal Pradesh
Dhankar was the erstwhile capital of the Spiti King. The monastery lies at
a distance of 25 km east of Kaza. The word 'Dhankar' means 'a place in the
mountains inaccessible for strangers'. The place has a charm of its own.
» Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
Sanchi has astounding historical and archaeological significance in the
history of India. The village of Sanchi lies at a distance of 46 km from
Bhopal. Sanchi is a magnificent collection of numerous Stupas built atop a
hill. The Buddhist emperor Ashoka erected the first Stupa here. He also
built many pillars of which the Ashokan Pillar is the most important.
» Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery is a very ancient monastery and is the seat of the Karmapa
Lama, who leads the Kagyupa Sect of Buddhism. Rumtek is a 24-km drive from
Gangtok. The walls of the monastery are wonderfully adorned by Thankas and
frescoes.
