Four Holy Buddhist Sites
The Four Holy Sites refer to those places that mark important events in the life of Lord Buddha. These are the places where He was born, attained enlightenment, preached His first sermon and reached mahaparinirvana. Three of these four holy sites are located in India while one is located in Nepal.
India - Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar
Nepal - Lumbini
Buddhist Destinations
Buddhist destinations include all those states and cities of the world that have significance in Buddhism. These states and cities have in past witnessed the advent, development, fall and revival of Buddhism. Visiting these destinations is like unravelling a part of Buddhist history. It is also pretty interesting to note the status of Buddhism in these destinations in present day. Some of these destinations have been listed below. To know about the others, click either Buddhist Destinations or the particular country link given below.
India : Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Dharamsala
Thailand : Bangkok, Ayutthuya
Tibet - Lhasa, Shannan, Shigatse, Ngari
Japan - Nara, Kyoto
Mongolia - Ullanbaatar
Sri Lanka - Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
Nepal - Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Kathmandu
Buddhist Temples and Monasteries
Within each destination throughout the world, there are temples and monasteries knowing about which proves immensely fruitful before or at the time of visit. These temples and monasteries, each have a history of their own and are also a storehouse of Buddhist heritage. The Buddhist monks residing here have wealth of knowledge about Buddhism in general and in reference to particular destination or temple/monasteries. Moreover, for architecture lovers, these temples and monasteries present a wonderful opportunity to study and enjoy the architectural style of a particular country. Do pay a visit to them if you are somewhere around. Some of the most famous temples and monasteries of each country are listed below. Click on the link provided to know about each individual temple or monastery. To know about others, either visit our Buddhist temples and monasteries section or the country link provided below.
India - Mahabodhi Temple, Rumtek Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Tawang Monastery
Hongkong - Wong Tai Sin, Po Lin Monastery, Chi Lin Nunnery
Tibet - Samya Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Jokhang temple, Sera Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery
Korea - Beomeosa, Beopjusa, Haeinsa, Tongdosa and Donghaksa
Japan - Ishiyama Honganji, Nagashima and Hojujiden.
Malaysia - Cheng Hoon Teng
Singapore - Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, Siong Lim Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple.
Laos - Wat Manoram and Wat Xieng Thong
China - Tanzhe Temple, Lama Temple and Guanghua Temple.
Buddhist Monuments
Apart from temples and monasteries, Buddhist monuments, are also an attraction for those interested in Buddhism. Buddhist monuments, like the temples and monasteries have so much to tell about Buddhism in particular country that a visit to them becomes almost inevitable. They stand marking important events in Buddhist history and have important historic relics in store. There architectural style, too, is a delight for visitors. Details about them can be found by clicking the link provided. Make sure that you visit these monuments while on a trip to the respective country.
India - Sanchi Stupa, Amravati Stupa, Shanti stupa. Dhamek stupa, Udayagiri,
Indonesia - Borobodur
Myanmar - Shwedagon Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda.
Laos - Pha That Luang
Buddhist Sites
Buddhist sites include both cities and individual attractions. These sites have been intrinsically associated with Buddhism and its development in specific country. They are not necessarily hotspots for tourists in general, but for Buddhist tourists they are significant. Visiting them is like putting together pieces of facts and legends to get an overall idea of development of Buddhism in the country or particular destination. Have a look at the sites about which detailed information have been provided. Perhaps, at the end of it, you will enthused enough to pay a visit.
India - Kesariya, Kurkihar, Sankisa, Vikramshila,Champanagar
Cambodia - Angkor Thom
Buddhist Caves
One of the earliest architectural form in Buddhism, caves are amongst the best places to see the Buddhist art forms. This form of architecture has its root in India. From India, the art of carving caves from huge rocks was carried to other countries like China by the Buddhist monks. Today, tourists make a beeline to visit these caves and know more about their past. If you are anywhere around these caves or are planning a visit to the are, make sure to include them on your must visit list.
India - Ajanta and the Ellora Kanheri, Karla, Barabar
China - Yungang Grottoes, Longmen grottoes
Buddhist Festivals
Buddhist celebrate and observe a number of festivals and important days. These days not only honour the Triple Jewels of Buddhism but also mark important events in the life of the Buddha and other personalities associated with Buddhism. Way of celebration, date of celebration and even the name of festival can vary from one country to another, but their significance is never reduced. There are also some festivals and days that are celebrated in particular country only. Details about them are provided for your convenience.
Worldwide - Buddhist New Year, Visakha Puja, Magh Puja Day, Asalha Day, Uposatha
India - Buddha Jayanti, Losar, Hemis Fair
Sri Lanka - Festival of Tooth
Tibet - Losar, Monlam/ The Great Prayer Festival, The Butter Lamp Festival, Saga Dawa Festival, Shoton Festival
Thailand - Loy Krathong, Songkran, The Ploughing Festival
