BUDDHIST CIRCUIT IN BIHAR

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PATNA – Beneath the din and bustle of Patna , the capital of Bihar state has a fascinating past .and tin each chapter of its history , it has been crowned by a new name-Kusumnagar, Puspapur, Patriputra and Azeemabad . Turning over the pages of early Indian history one comes across the name of the pre-eminent city of Patriputra. its period of glory spanned a thousand years, from 6th century BC to 6th century AD. More significantly , it is a gateway to the Buddhist and jain pilgrim centres of Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodhgaya, Pawapuri and Parasnath. Place of interest -Golghar, Harmandirji, Jalan museum, Kumhrar, Patna museum, Agam kuan, Planetorium, Sanjay Gandhi Biological park.*********** BODHGAYA - Bodhgaya is situated about 112 km from patna. Serene and quite this tiny little village, holiest among holy places is Bodhgaya, where the quest of prince Siddharth was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth and the saga of Buddha began . He attained the Supreme peace for long six years hither and thither. But it was at Bodhgaya only where his holy mission was achieved. Place of interest -The Bodhi tree ,Mahabodhi temple ,Vajrasan,Vishnupad Temple (Gaya),80’ statue of Lord Buddha,Mangla Gauri Temple(Gaya).********** RAJGIR - Situated amongst lush green hills Rajgir lies 102km from patna.The ancient Capital of the Magadha emperors it became an important venue for pilgrims from not just the Buddhist and jain Faiths but also for Hindus and Muslims. Place of Interest - Ropeway,Sone-Bhandar,venuvan Hot Water Spring, Manyar Math,Bimbisar ka jail, Viraytan, Jarasandh ka Akkhara, Replica, Wheel of Lord Krishna’s Chariot.************ NALANDA - Located 90 km from Patna lies the ruins of one of the ancient world,Nalanda University,built in the 5th century BC. Patronised by royalty and eminent religious leaders like Buddha and Mahvira.It enjoyed an excellent reputationWorld over. Place of interest - Nalanda university & Nalanda Museum.********** VAISHALI - Vaishali is situated about 54 kms from Patna.Once the capital city of Lichhavis was the first Republic of the world. It is named after king vishal whose heroic deeds are narrated in Ramayan(an Indian mythological epic).The city has ruins of Buddhist pagoda(stupa)and Ashokan pillar.The pagoda here contained the holy casket of Lord Buddha’s Holy Relics which is now kept at Patna Museum. Place of interest - Viswa Shanti Stupa,Abhishek Pushkarani,Ashokan pillar,Jain Temple,Raja Vishal’s Garh,Chaumukhi mahadeo Temple.************ KESARIA - About 74 kms west from Muzaffarpur, 48kms northwest from Basarh or modern vaishali and 22kms southwest from chakia, kesaria in the east champaran district has the proud privilege of housing the tallest ever-excavated Buddhist stupa.Rising to a height of 104 ft,ruined and much reduced than its original height,this stupa,even its crumbled stage,is 1 feet higher than that of the famous Borobodur stupa in java,a world Heritage Monument.********** LUMBINI - Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha,the founder of Buddhism, This nativity site,identified by the Ashokan Pillar,erected by Magadhan emperor Ashoka, to commemorate the birth place of Buddha,the Lumbini grove.The pillar was erected over 2200 years ago,making lumbini the quintessential Buddhist heritage site.************* KUSHI NAGAR - It belongs to the Great Lord Buddha,founder of Buddhism,who delivered his last sermon,attained “Mahaparinirvana” and was cremated at Ramabhar(kushinagar).where’Mallas’ constructed a big stupa over the ashes.Later,Ashoka,the great,had also renovated it.Chinese travelers,Fa Hien & Hieun Tsang have also mentioned “Kushinara”in their travel-Memo.******************* SARNATH - Sarnath(also Mrigadava,Migadaya,Rishipattana,Isipatana)is the deer park where Gautam Buddha first taught the Dharma and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the englightment of kondanna . Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi.

AT - A 305, 3rd FLOOR, BLOCK-A, CAPITOL TOWER (NEAR A.I.R)FRAZER ROAD, PATNA.

Patna