PILGRIMAGE TO VENERATE THE BUDDHIST RELICS IN INDIA AND NEPAL
The pilgrimage program to the Buddhist relics of India and Nepal is like a magical fairy tale, taking you back to the Four Holy Places associated with the life and ministry of the Buddha, along with other Buddhist sacred sites.
LUMBINI
The bir thplace of Prince Siddhartha, who later attained enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, Shakyamuni. Today, Lumbini is located within the territory of Nepal. This sacred site is situated 40km north of the Sonali border crossing between Nepal and India. The entire sacred area has been renovated and restored by the government of Nepal
E s p e c i a l l y d u r i n g t h e 1979 World B u d d h i s t C o n f e r e n c e held in Japan, t h e g l o b a l Buddhist community decided to recognize Lumbini as an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Notably, inside the Maya Devi Temple, archaeologists discovered a stone slab that marks the precise location where Prince Siddhartha was born.
KUSHINAGAR
The final resting place of the m a s te r a f te r 4 5 ye a r s o f preaching and saving sentient beings. These were the final teachings of the Buddha before he entered the realm of Parinirvana. Today, the quiet city of Kushinagar, with its Mahaparinirvana Stupa and Parinirvana Temple nestled under the shade of Sala trees, stands as a historical witness to the final moments of the Venerable One. By visiting Kushinagar and paying homage to the sacred sites related to the Buddha Shakyamuni’s passing into Nirvana, pilgrims will gain a deeper understanding of the final, affectionate teachings that the Buddha entrusted to both humanity and heavenly beings
DEER PARK
It is the place where the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism were first initiated. It was here that the Buddha, out of compassion for all beings lost in the cycle of birth and death, gave his first sermon to guide them toward liberation. The first lesson on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path was a message for the transformation of suffering and the path to peace and happiness that the Buddha wished to send to humanity. It was from the realization of the benefits of the Dharma that the Buddha brought to the world that his first disciples shaved their heads, took refuge, and entered the monastic life with the Buddha, forming the first Sangha in this Deer Park. The Three Jewels were born from that moment, becoming a sacred spiritual foundation for millions of Buddhists around the world
BODH GAYA
This is the most important holy site in the pilgrimage to the Buddhist relics. Here, 26 centuries ago, the Buddha Shakyamuni attained the wondrous truth of liberation. Today, Bodh Gaya still preserves sacred sites related to the Buddha’s enlightenment, such as the Bodhi Tree, the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), and the Mahabodhi Temple, alongside the historic Niranjana River. Moreover, Bodh Gaya is also a spiritual destination for all Buddhists on the journey of transforming
their consciousness to reachTruth, Goodness, and Beauty
In addition to the Four Holy Sites, the program also visits the mysterious Ganges River, Jetavana Monastery, Vulture Peak, the ruins of Nalanda…, pays homage to reincarnated masters such as the 14th Dalai Lama, the 17th Karmapa…, and the famous Indian landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort…
Sights
Map
Info
The pilgrimage program ‘Following the Buddha’s Footsteps in India – Nepal’ runs for 12 days and 11 nights or 16 days and 15 nights. No trains are used, with domestic travel within India conducted by plane and special tourist bus.
