Buddhist Sites in Bihar

Bihar has been the ultimate pilgrimage for the Buddhists. It was in Bodh Gaya (Bihar) where Lord Buddha became enlightened. The prime Buddhist pilgrimages/sites of Bihar include Vaishali (where Lord Buddha preached many a times and announced his impending nirvana), Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment (nirvana) and Nalanda, which developed as a great center of Buddhist learning. Rajgir is yet another important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Bihar, where Lord Buddha spent much time giving sermons.

Barabar Caves
Barabar Caves are situated in Barabar Hills, at a distance of approximately 20-25 km to the north of Gaya, Bihar. These hills are famous for the four rock cut caves that are sited here. Dating back to the 200 BC, these caves were constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, for the Ajivikas.

Champanagar
Champanagar is situated in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India. It lies at a distance of approximately 220 km away from the capital city of Patna. The significance of this place stems from the fact that it had the fortuity of being visited by Lord Buddha a number of times.

Don
Don is situated in the state of Bihar. There is a legend associated with Don. It is believed that after the cremation of the mortal remains of Lord Buddha, an argument ensued between his four disciples over the division of his ashes.

Ghosrawan
Ghosrawan is a small village situated in the state of Bihar, India. The significance of Ghosrawan stems from the fact that it stands on the site of a very large and important Buddhist Monastery.

Gurpa
Gurpa is a small village, situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 33 km from Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim destination in India. The village is considered as significant because of its association with Maha Kassapa, the successor of Lord Buddha.

Hajipur
Hajipur is a small village situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 10 km from the capital city of Patna. In the ancient time, it was known as Ukkacala and was the first village to come after crossing River Ganga at Patna.

Indasala Cave
Indasala Cave is situated near Rajgir in the state of Bihar. It lies at the base of a sharp cliff, halfway up the side of Giriyek Mountain. On the top of the mountain stands the Hansa Stupa. The Hansa Stupa holds the distinction of being the most complete stupa in India, till date.

Jethian
Jethian is a small village situated near Rajgir town of Bihar, India. In the ancient time, it used to be known as Lativana, or the Palm Grove. In 7th century AD Jethian also served as the seat of influence of Jayasena, the famous saint.

Kesaria Stupa
Kesaria Stupa is situated in the Champaran (east) district of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 110 km from the capital city of Patna. The Kesaria Stupa holds the distinction of being the largest in the world, standing at a height of 104 ft.

Kurkihar
Kurkihar is a small village situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 22 km from the Gaya district. This large mound over which this village lies consists of the remains of a very old Buddhist Monastery.

Lauriya Nandangarh
Lauriya Nandangarh is situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 22 km from the district of Bettiah. Lauriya Nandangarh boasts of housing the Ashokan pillar, comprising of the six Ashokan Edicts.

Nalanda
Nalanda is situated in the state of Bihar. Founded in the 5th century AD, it lies at a distance of approximately 90 km from the capital city of Patna. Nalanda had the honor of being visited by Lord Buddha a number of times, in His lifetime.

Patna
Patna is the capital of the state of Bihar. It is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga. In the ancient, the city was known by the name of Pataliputra. Patna has the fortuity of being visited by Lord Buddha, when he had to cross the mighty river on his last journey to Kushinagar.

Pragbodhi
Pragbodhi Mountain is situated near Gaya district in the state of Bihar. The name Pragbodhi literally means 'Prior to Enlightenment'. The mountain derives its name from the sojourn of Prince Siddhartha here, before he received enlightenment.

Rajgir
Rajgir is situated in the state of Bihar, encircled by five holy hills. It lies at a distance of approximately 34 km from the city of Gaya. The name of the town has been derived from the words 'Raj Griha', meaning 'the abode of the king'. During the lifetime of Lord Buddha, Rajgir served as the capital city of the Magadh Empire.

Vaishali
Vaishali district is situated in the state of Bihar. It lies at a distance of approximately 60 km from the capital city of Patna. The place gains significance from the fact that it is here that Lord Buddha announced the imminence of his Mahaparinirvana. Vaishali also witnessed one of the eight great events in the life of Lord Buddha.

Vikramsila
Vikramsila is a town situated in the state of Bihar, India. It lies at a distance of approximately 40 km from the city of Bhagalpur. One of the popular Buddhist destinations in India, Vikramshila cannot boast of a direct relation with Lord Buddha. It is mainly renowned for being one of the most significant centers of Tantric Buddhism, in the 8th century AD.