Buddhist Circuit
The Buddhist Circuit is a trail of the sacred footsteps of Lord Buddha and the important places of his life and teachings across Bihar.
Famous Buddhist Circuit Attractions
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple (literally: “Great Awakening Temple”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient, Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.
The temple stands in the east to the Mahabodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a cylindrical pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion.
Sujata Stupa
Sujata Stupa, also Sujata Kuti stupa or Sujata Garh, is a Buddhist stupa located in the village of Senanigrama (Bakraur) slightly east of Bodh Gaya in the state of Bihar, India. It lies directly across the Phalgu River from the town of Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It is a walk of about 20 minutes, from Bodh Gaya to Sujata Stupa. It was initially built in the 2nd century BCE as confirmed by finds of Dark Grey polished wares and a punch- marked coin in the monastery nearby.
Vishwa Shanti Stupa
Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also called the Peace Pagoda. It is located at the highest point of Ratnagiri hill, at an altitude of 400 m in Rajgir, qualifying its serene charm as divine. Built completely with marble, Stupa comprises four golden statues of Lord Buddha with each representing his life periods of birth, enlightenment, preaching and death. There is a ropeway which helps the tourists reach Vishwa Shanti Stupa a top Ratnagiri hill. The other way to reach this “Stupa” is a serpentine staircase.
Ashokan Pillar, Kolhua Vaishali
Kolhua is a famous Buddhist excavation site situated approximately 65 km North-West of Patna. The excavations have revealed the famous Ashokan Pillar having a statue of lion on the top. Excavations also revealed, many other articles related to Buddhism.
Buddha Relic Stupa
Buddha Relic Stupa, enshrining one of the eight parts of the mortal remains of Lord Buddha after he attained Mahaparinirvana, is one of the most revered sites for Buddhists and a protected one for Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), located around 55km northwest of Patna in Vaishali district.
Kesariya Stupa
Kesariya came into the limelight after the discovery of biggest ever Buddhist Stupa. Till date it is estimated to be the tallest ever-excavated Stupa in the world.
Ruins Of Vikramshila
Situated at Antichak in Kahalgaon sub-division, 38 KM from Bhagalpur, ancient Vikramshila University was famous as a Centre of learning during the Pala dynasty. The university was established by the King Dharmpala.