5 Must-Visit Destinations On The Buddhist Circuit In Bihar

Last week, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, promoted the state’s Buddhist circuit at the Japan Tourism Expo. Yadav talked about important tourist sites in Bihar, especially focusing on the Buddhist circuit, which could attract Japanese visitors. “Bihar is the land where Prince Siddhartha attained knowledge and became Gautam Buddha. It is the land where great pilgrims of the world found a treasure trove of history and where civilisation and culture had had deep roots for centuries. We welcome tourists from all over the world who wish to connect with this culture,” he said at a press conference in Osaka. Here are five places that you must hit up on the Buddhist circuit in Bihar.

Buddhist Circuit Destinations In Bihar

Bodh Gaya And The Mahabodhi Remple

Bodh Gaya is believed to be the city where Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree. The place was renamed Bodh Gaya, and the tree (now claimed to be in its fourth or fifth generation) became known around the world as the Bodhi Tree. In fact, the full-moon day on which Shakyamuni attained enlightenment is now known as Buddha Purnima. UNESCO has designated the Mahabodhi Temple complex as a World Heritage Site.

The main attractions here include the Bodhi Tree and the Vajrasana (also known as the Adamantine Seat or Thunderbolt Throne)—a red sandstone platform marking the place where the Buddha meditated. There's the Mahabodhi Temple, a towering structure east of the Bodhi Tree containing a large, gilded 10th-century black stone Buddha statue in an earth-touching posture. Surrounding the temple is a carved stone railing believed to date back to around the 1st century BCE. Additionally, there are stupas and temples commemorating events from the seven weeks following the Buddha's enlightenment when he stayed here in bliss.

Mahakala Caves

Located close to Bodh Gaya, the Mahakala Caves, also known as the Dungeshwari Caves, are believed to be the spot where Buddha spent many years of life. Two shrines in dedication to the founder of Buddhism can be spotted here. Popular among the locals as Sujata Sthan, this is also where a woman named Sujata offered a feeble and starved Buddha some food.

Rajgir

Rajgir, located atop Griddhakuta Hill, is another primary site where Lord Buddha spent several years and gave some of his most important teachings. One of Buddha's favourite retreats was the former capital of the Magadhan Empire. He would live on Griddhakuta Hill in the Ratnagiri hill range, where he would congregate with his students and offer his teachings. The Saptaparni Cave, located at the opposite end of the same hill range, was where the first Buddhist council met after Buddha's death to record his teachings. To mark the event's 2,500th anniversary, the Japanese Buddhist Association has constructed a spectacular white stupa atop the cave, the Viswa Shanti Stupa, with golden Buddha statues.

Vaishali

Closely associated with the Buddha, Vaishali is believed to be the city where the Buddha received his spiritual training. The Kutagarasala Vihara, a monastery where the Buddha frequently visited, is a popular site for followers of Buddhism today. The Relic Stupa, known as the Ananda Stupa, contains one of the eight portions of the Master's Relics, objects that Buddha left tover after his cremation.

Nalanda

Nalanda, about 85 kilometres by road from Bodhgaya, is the site of a prominent Buddhist university built in the fifth century. A bustling city at the time when Buddhism flourished across the face of India, Nalanda was the site of one of the greatest ancient universities in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nalanda used to have many monasteries and temples. You can see some of the remains of the viharas (monasteries), chaityas (temples), and ancient classrooms.

Sustainable Travel

To embark on a sustainable journey along Bihar's Buddhist circuit, opt for eco-friendly transport like public transit or shared vehicles, minimising your carbon footprint. Stay in locally owned accommodations that prioritise sustainability and immerse yourself in the local culture. Respect the sanctity of historical sites by following guidelines, reducing plastic use, and leaving no waste behind. Engage respectfully with the local community, supporting local businesses and initiatives.

Getting There

The nearest airports are Gaya International Airport (also known as Bodh Gaya Airport) and Patna, which is better connected. The nearest major railway stations are Gaya and Patna.