The 4 Most Holy Places For Buddhists

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Buddhism is a religion that is all about silence and inner peace. There are no large processions or festivities that mark Buddhist festivals. That is because Gautam Buddha did not believe in pomp and show. He preached a soul searching process within yourself instead. However, pilgrimage is a concept that is developed by devotees and not prophets. That is why, there are some holy places for Buddhists.

A Buddhist pilgrimage would not be complete without going to the 4 very scared shrines. These holy places for Buddhists are spread across India and Nepal. Although it is not prescribed, many Buddhists make a pilgrimage to the 4 holiest sites.

4 Holy Places For Buddhists

Lumbini: Birth Of Buddha

Lumbini is place in the Rupandehi district of Nepal were Gautam Buddha is fabled to be born. Although this claim has been challenged a number of times, the disciples of Buddha maintain that he was born in Lumbini and spent the first 29 years of his life here. The Puskarini lake situated in this area is the holy lake where Buddha bathed for the first time. The Ashoka Pillar here marks the visit of Emperor Ashoka to this Buddhist pilgrimage.

Bodh Gaya: Enlightenment Of Buddha

The city of Gaya is holy for Hindus as well. In Bodh Gaya, the Mahabodhi temple is the place were Gautam Buddha attained his Enlightenment. It is the most important holy place for Buddhists because their main monastery is here. Buddhists from all over the world flock to the Mahabodhi temple to pay homage.

Sarnath: Teaching Of Buddha

Sarnath is a place near Banaras in Uttar Pradesh were Gautam Buddha preached his dictum of Dharma for the first time. This place was originally called 'Isipatana' which means 'place of holy men' in Pali language. It is marked by the Dhamekh Stupa.

Kusinara: Death Of Buddha

Kusinara is a place near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh where Gautam Buddha's soul left his body to attain Nirvana. This place is known for some interesting Buddhist architecture.

These 4 holy places stand as the pillars of a Buddhist life. Which of these holy Buddhist places have you visited?