BUDDHIST HOLY PLACES
(Authored by Tee Chee Seng. Original site at: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/9449/holysite.htm )


Lumbini
- the birth place of the Tathagata -
On the full-moon day of May, in the year 623 B.C. there was born in the Lumbini Park, near Kapilavatthu, a noble prince who was destined to be the greatest religious teacher in the world, 
Siddhatta Gotama. (which means "wish fulfilled")

 
Lumbini Park

Asoka Pillar marks the exact spot where Prince Sidhartta was born.
The pool in which the abution of Prince Siddhatta was performed.

Kapilavastu, the Kingdom where Prince Siddhatta grew up.(15km from Lumbini)
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The Ruins Palace of Kapilavastu



The Ruins of Piprahwa Stupa, Kapilavastu
Piprahwa Stupa - erected to housed the Buddha's relic by the Sakyan.

Bodhgaya (Bodhi Gaya)
- Here the Tathagata attained perfect insight and enlightenment -


Maha Bodhi (Pipal) Tree
The Buddha attained His Enlightenment under this Bodhi Tree on the full-moon day of Vaisatha (Wesak), 623 B.C.
-Bodhi Pallanka-
The Maha Bodhi Temple

The side wall of the Maha Bodhi Temple
The stone reliefs of the Jataka Stories
The side wall of the Maha Bodhi Temple

Soon after His Enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven weeks in meditation.

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The Buddha spent the second week in meditation here, gazing unwinkingly at the Maha Bodhi Tree
-Animisa Locana-
In third week, the Buddha walk up and down in meditation. The carve stones on the platform indicates the spots where the Buddha's feet rested during the meditation.
-Cankamana-
Week four, the Buddha meditated reflecting on the Patthana (Causal Law). 
-Ratanaghara-

Week five, the Buddha meditated under the Ajapala Tree which is marked by this sign.
-Ajapala Nigrodha (Banyan) Tree-
The Buddha spent the sixth week in meditation near this lake. A severe thunder storm broke out and Mucalinda, the snake king came out and encircled the body of the Buddha, held his large hood over Him.
-Mucalinda Lake-
<the actual Mucalinda lake is 
2 km from this lotus pond.>
The seventh week was spent in meditation here. Another tree was planted to replaced the original tree, which is no longer there.
-Rajayatana Tree-

Sarnath (Isipatana, Benares) - the Deer Park
- The Dhamma was first preached to the five monks -
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The Dharmarajika Stupa foundations with the Dhamek Stupa in the background.


The Dhamek (Dhammacakka) Stupa
- marks the exact spot where the Buddha delivered His first Discourse.
The Dharmarajika Stupa foundations
-demolished in 1794 -
The Dhamma-Cakka-Pavattana Sutta (the Discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Truth), the first sermon was delivered by the Buddha.
The Mulagandha Kuti Vihara
Built by the Maha Bodhi Society in 1931

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 Kushinagar (Kusinara)
- The Maha Parinibbana (passing away) of the Buddha -

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The Stupa and the Nirvana Temple

Reclining image of the Buddha

The spot where the body of the Lord Buddha was cremated by the Mallas with sandle wood fire
-Cremation Stupa, Rambhar Jhil-
"Behold, O Disciples, I exhort you.  Subject to decay are all component things.  Strive on with diligence."
-these were the last words of the Buddha-

The relics of the Buddha were divided into 8 portions and distributed equally to the 
Mallas of Kusinara, 
Ajatasattu-king of Magadha, 
Licchavis of Vesali,
Sakyans of Kapilavattu, 
Bulies of Attakapa, 
Koliyas of Ramagrama, 
Mallas of Pava and 
a resident of Vethadipa. 

The vessel containing the remains of the Blessed One was taken by Dona, who was instrumental in dividing the relics.


Other importance Buddhist sites ...
Rajgir (Rajagaha) -- Veluvana Ramaya (the Bamboo Grove) -- Vulture's Peak
Sravasthi (Savatthi) the ancient kingdom of Kosala -- Jetavana Monastery (Jeta's Grove) -- Pubbarama Monastery
Vaishali (Vesali) the last sermon was preached here -- the Mango Grove
Kaushambi (Kosambi)
Nalanda - the Great Buddhist University
Sanchi - established by King Asoka
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