The Buddhist Circuit

The Buddha's life and teachings are deeply connected to these sacred places in India. Here's a brief overview of each:

1. **Lumbini** (Birthplace): Located in present-day Nepal, Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It is believed to be the exact spot where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to the Buddha around 563 BCE. The site is marked by a sacred pillar and a beautiful garden with numerous Buddhist temples.

2. **Bodh Gaya** (Enlightenment): Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, India, is the place where the Buddha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa). It is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in India and is home to the Mahabodhi Temple, which was built over the tree.

3. **Sarnath** (First Teaching): Located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is where the Buddha delivered his first sermon to five ascetics after his enlightenment. The site is marked by the Dhamek Stupa, which houses a sacred relic of the Buddha's ashes.

4. **Rajgir** (First Monastery): Rajgir, also in Bihar, is where the Buddha established his first monastery, called Vulture Peak. The site is associated with several important events in the Buddha's life, including his teaching on the "Wheel of Dharma" (Dharma Chakra).

5. **Kushinagar** (Death Place): Kushinagar, in Uttar Pradesh, is where the Buddha passed away at the age of 80. The site is marked by a sacred funeral pyre and a beautiful temple dedicated to his memory.

These five places are considered the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as they are connected to significant events in the Buddha's life and teachings.