LUMBINI
Lumbini – Buddha’s Birth PlaceBefore the Lord would come to the earthly world, his mother had dreamt a six-tusked elephant, which later was interpreted by the astrologers as a sign of giving birth to a world-renowned personality. Lord Buddha was born at Lumbini while his mother was on her way to parental home from Kapilvastu.
Maya Devi, queen of King Shuddhodhan of Kapilavastu gave birth to prince of Kapilvastu, Gautam, under a tree. King Shuddhodhan (Gautam’s father, the king of Kapilvastu) had been warned in advance by the astrologers that eventually the prince might chose spirituality to Kingdom. So the King tried every way to stop this outcome but in vain. The greatest preacher of humanity, Lord Buddha had been destined to be enlightened and show the world a better way of living.
How to get there Air – Bhairahwa is the nearest airport, well connected to Kathmandu airport.
Rail – Gorakhpur, In India, is the nearest railhead, 130 km from Lumbini.
Road – Good motorable roads connect Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important cities of Nepal.
BODH GAYA
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya – Buddha’s Enlightenment Place A place where Lord Buddha left his foot steps nearly 2500 years ago while travelling in the quest of enlightenment, Bodh Gaya resonates the silent vibes of those sacred steps. Lord Buddha arrived here at the end of his search of the most tranquil and serene place to start his meditation that eventually led him to enlightenment.
Situated by the river Phalgu, the village is a complete isolation from the world, dotted with lush green forests, paddy fields and the silent scintillating atmosphere. The serenity of the atmosphere remains in the subconscious soul of any visitor who takes the village as a pilgrimage that the Lord himself had chosen for meditation.
How to reach?
Air – Patna Airport is the nearest at a distance of 120 km.
Rail – Gaya (20 km) is the nearest railhead.
Road – Well connected by concrete roads to Gaya and Patna.
Sarnath – Buddha’s First Sermon
SARNATH
Sarnath is, perhaps, the naturally most beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage, with a calm and cool atmosphere that silently preaches tranquility and peace. At a distance of only 10-km from the famous Hindu pilgrimage Varanasi; this place has seen many great teachers give their valuable sermons.
Lord Buddha had visited Sarnath looking for his five companions who abandoned him in Rajgir while they deviated from the viewpoint of Lord Buddha on self-mortification.
How to reach
Air – Varanasi is the nearest airport, at a distance of 15 km from Sarnath.
Rail – Varanasi is a major station in Broad gauge network and is well connected to most of the stations of India.
Road – Well-laid motorable roads connect Sarnath with varanasi and other important cities.
KUSHINAGAR
Kushinagar – Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana
Kushinagar is another Buddhist destination, worth a sincere admiration, due to the serenity, rich history, and the splendid structures of Buddhist root. The excavations led by general Cunningham has revealed some antique artifacts and structures related to all sects of Buddhism. Kushinagar also expresses the common thread of all sects of Buddhism through its magnificent Viharas, Chaityas, temples and Tibetan monasteries. In ancient times, the town was also known as Kushinara and Kasia.
How to get there
Air – Gorakhpur is the nearest airport, at a distance of 50 km from the place.
Rail – The nearest railway station, a convenient one, is Gorakhpur, which is linked to important railway stations.
Road – The national highway numbered 28 connects the place with other important destinations of the state.