India, the most spiritual country that also offers various historical and sacred sites devoted to Buddha and Buddhism. From the earliest days of history, to the modern times when it is still considered to be a centre of learning and contemplation; Buddha’s stories and his learnings are reflected in his most holy places. Whether you love to delve deep into history or simply like to be mesmerised by the divine aura of the holy Buddhist places, these places cater to every visitor who craves a deeper understanding. From oldest monasteries and stupas to centers for learning and meditation, India has everything. Here are the 10 holiest places dedicated to Buddhism in India:

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

Buddhism originated in this very place, Bodh Gaya, considered to be the holiest spot among Buddhists. It is here where Gautam Buddha got enlightenment under a Boddhi Tree, over 2,500 years ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabodhi Temple complex, at the same exact Boddhi. Tree where Gautam Buddha attained salvation and thus gives pilgrims a moment of solace and peace. Bodh Gaya comprises of the Buddha Statue of the entire 25 feet, the Japanese Buddhist Temple and the meditations hall where Buddha has to meditated for several days. One feels over, whelmed by spirituality and peace as if one would want to linger there forever.

Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Located in just a walking distance of few kilometres outside the holiest city in India, Varanasi, the holiest place Sarnath in India is where Buddha first sermonmed, Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to five of his disciples at Dhameka Stupa after he was Enlightened. One can see many such ancient ruins of monasteries and temples; a must to see the museum inside this complex which house a wide array of ancient Buddha artifacts, Buddhist relic etc.

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

The land where Buddha passed away and thus received Mahaparinirvana, i.e. His final liberation and cessation in physical death. The state of Parinirvana, depicted by a majestic 6 meter long reclining statue of Buddha is found at the Parinirvana temple where the people here come and chant and pay their homage to the sacredness. It is an ideal place to witness an aura that reflects Buddhism’s teaching about the essence of impermanence in life.

Rajgir, Bihar

Not many know that Buddha spent several years of his life in Rajgir, meditating and giving sermons on the hills. The most sacred hill in Rajgir is Vulture Peak (Gridhakuta), a sheer hill that witnessed many important lectures and discourses given by the master. Its serene atmosphere and rocky terrain makes for a perfect place to be in total solitude. The site comprises of a numerous monastery as well as the Venu Vana which are a site to behold.

Nalanda, Bihar

Perhaps not a conventional sacred spot for pilgrimage but an extremely historically relevant place in Buddhism history. This used to be a world, renowned university where scholars came from across the continent to learn the Buddhist Philosophy. This site boasts ruins of one of the oldest and most celebrated seats of learning of the ancient world, its monastery complex, public halls and temples all stand testament to the scholarly tradition it upheld.

Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

A place of one of the oldest and most well preserved ancient Buddhist monuments of India, Sanchi, mainly popular for the Great Stupa. Built under the aegis of Emperor Ashok, the site also holds ancient temples and structures all erected in reverence of the divine. A UNESCO World heritage Site, the stupas and their carved gates with various scenes from Buddha’s life, is an architectural masterpiece.

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Located in the state of Maharashtra, these caves, among the most popular rock-cut sites in India. This site displays remarkable murals of Jataka tales and Buddha’s life, along with beautiful sculptures dating back to 2nd century BCE. There are a total of 30 caves which were used by the Buddhist monks for prayer, learning and meditation and a source of inspiration even to the present times.

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Situated in the picturesque locales of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is the abode of the world’s second largest Buddhist monastery and the largest in India. The picturesque scenery, imposing architecture and calming environs make it an ideal spot for spiritual awakening and inner peace amidst an otherworldly environment.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

For those who follow and revere the Tibetan form of Buddhism, Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj, has been the dwelling of the Dalai Lama since 1960s. The Kangra Valley houses this spiritual hub offering a number of meditation centres, schools of Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan cultural centers, and of course, the very popular Dalai Lama’s temple which is one of the holiest places in the northern region of the country.

Bodnath Temple, Kathmandu

Nepal Located just outside the Indian border (in Kathmandu, Nepal, not India), Bodnath is the largest and one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. While technically in Nepal, its significance in Buddhist pilgrimage and architecture warrants its inclusion in the spirit of shared cultural heritage. Its immense size and vibrant atmosphere make it a mesmerizing sight for anyone seeking spiritual exploration.

Conclusion

An odyssey into Spirituality & History of India Buddhist heritages of India offer a mind-blowing spiritual odyssey into the spiritual journey of Buddhism in India and its history along with Buddhism. Be it the seat of enlightenment in Bodh Gaya; the abode of learning Sarnath where the Budha attained omniscience and his initial sermons took shape; sculptors work of art Ajanta; the secluded beauty of Tawang, each and every place carries its own story. These holy places can be ideal places for the pilgrims; people seeking spiritual solace; and also historians looking for authentic historic insights into Buddhism, the teaching of the awakened.