In Lord Buddha's Footsteps in Bihar

India is the birth place of many world-renowned religions that include, among others, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. All these religions, at one time or the other, found conducive environments in Bihar, one of the northern states of India.

In fact, Bihar proved to be the most perfect state for the continued and sustained growth and Buddhism and Jainism. Actually, more than half of the total Buddhist and Jainism spots of India are in Bihar. Much like Lord Mahavaira, the founder of Jainism, Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, had taken special liking to the serene and holy environments of Bihar. This helped Buddhism strike deep roots in the state. No wonder, Bihar, has the highest number of Buddhist sites in India and the world-renowned Buddhist Nalanda University is in Bihar.

Bihar Buddhist Sites

Even though the entire Bihar is a big monastery (Bihar gets is name from vihara that means monastry) with several Buddhist sites and impressive Buddhist ruins, the leading Buddhist spots of the state are: Bodh Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Vaishali, and Rajgir.

Bodh Gaya

The most sacred Buddhist place in the world and the place where Lord Buddha got nirvana (enlightenment), Bodh Gaya is much famous for the Mahabodhi Temple (main monastery of Bodh Gaya and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the sacred tree under which Lord Buddha is believed to have got enlightenment. Presently, many nations that include, among others, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand have wonderful Buddhist temples around the main Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya.

Patna

The state capital of Bihar, Patna has an excellent museum that has several rare Buddhist sculptures and manuscripts that throw much light on Buddhism and Lord Buddha. The excellent museum also has several statues of Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The pride of the Patna Museum is the holy relic casket of Lord Buddha that contains his ashes. No wonder, Buddhist scholars and others interested in Buddhism and its history make it a point to visit the Patna Museum.

Nalanda

Much famous for the Nalanda University (A prestigious seat of learning in Asia) where students and scholars came from far off lands to quench their thirst for knowledge and wisdom, and, of course, study the Pali Literature, to know Buddhism better, Nalanda occupies a rather high place in the list of the Buddhist destinations of India. Lord Buddha had visited this place. In fact, the ancient city of Nalanda is built at the exact spot where Buddha had stayed earlier.

Vaishali

Vaisali is another place that has deep links with Buddhism and Buddha. Lord Buddha frequently visited this place and also delivered his final sermon here. To commemorate the event, Ashoka--one of the greatest emperors of India who also spread Buddhism throughout the world--erected one of his famous lion pillars here. A hundred years after the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha, Vaishali hosted the second Buddhist council.

Rajgir

Another key Buddhist spot, Rajgir was the place where Lord Buddha spent many months meditating, and preaching at Griddhkuta, (Hill of the Vultures). Besides, it was at Rajgir that Buddha delivered some of his famous sermons and converted the famous king of Magadha Bimbisara and innumerable others to Buddhism.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjay_Kumar_Pandey

Bihar on the Fast Track

If you were to go to Bihar and ask the people about Bihar, almost all of them would say that Bihar is being victimized by the central government for not able to contribute towards the Indian economy and therefore Bihar has received a step brotherly treatment. Now if one where to ask someone not from the place they would reply that Bihar is the Wild West; a place you don't want to go.

Now if the same question is asked to very proud Indians, most of them would reply to you irrespective they belong to Bihar or not that it is the essence of India, the core of what India is, the place where Buddha the founder of Buddhism lived and preached, the holy place for Both Sikhs, Hindus and Jains alike.

All of these answers are correct. If we were to look why the Central Government has treated Bihar badly? The reality is that it hasn't, Bihar has received central development fund even though it has not contributed towards the global economy in the past 10 years as it should have been taking into consideration the natural resources it has. The simple fact is that Bihar is ridden with politics that is of the worst kind; the caste politics. The state once represented excellence in administration is now in ruins.

It is thought that the ruin started allegedly by the Congress chief minister of Bihar in the 1980's. The state has never looked back in terms of non development till recently.

It is said that current chief minister and government set agendas for the recovery of Bihar. It is said that roads are being built on a grand scale, villages are being electrified and criminals are being hunted down.

Patna, the capital of Bihar has seen development like never before. Companies and establishments that had left before are setting up again, jobs are being created, security has been beefed up, people have money to spend hence shops from all over India and abroad are eyeing for commercial space. If this continues, Bihar would be destined to regain its lost glory as commercial hub of India or at least the eastern India.

Om Singh has lived and worked in Bihar most of his life. He has seen ups and downs of the place.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Om_Singh

Travel to Rajgir – One of the Most Important Tourist Destinations of India

Once the ancient capital of mighty Magadh Empire, Rajgir, Bihar is today one of the most important tourist destinations of India. It is an accepted beautiful health resort of India with 36 km of wildlife sanctuaries. In ancient time, this small but beautiful hill town of Rajgir was called Rajgrih meaning the Home of Royalty.

View of Venu Vana

Located at the very short distance of 15 km from Nalanda (globally famous for the Ruins of Nalanda University), Rajgir has a lot of attractions to offer its visitors. Architecturally beautiful temples & mesenteries, lush green forests, lively hills, adventure & sports, beautiful landscapes, etc are the prime features of tours to Rajgir, India.

Rajgir Ropeway

Rajgir is an important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. During your Rajgir, Bihar tours you will have wonderful opportunity to see and visit several Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. This is Rajgir where Lord Buddha spent 12 years of his life and fist Buddhist Council after Buddha attained Nirvana was held.

Lush Venu Vana, Rajgir, Bihar

The beautiful hill town of Rajgir, Bihar is also famous for as health and winter resort with its hot water springs (also known as Kunds). It is believed that the springs here contain medicinal properties to cure all types of skin diseases.

Hot Water Spring (Rajgir Kund)

Rajgir is also rich in its flora and fauna. It has 36 km of wildlife sanctuaries. One of the most important attractions of Rajgir, Bihar tours is Ropeway. The ropeway takes tourists uphill to the famous Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills. Ropeway provides mesmerizing view of verdant hills and the town.

Swarn Bhandar, Rajgir, Bihar, India

Some major tourist attractions of Rajgir, Bihar Tours

• Venu Vana
• Ajatshatru Fort
• Archeological Sites
• Bimbisar Jail
• Shanti Stunpa
• Hot Water Springs (Kunds)
• Jain Temples
• Karanda Tank
• Sonbhandar Caves
• Ropeway
• Veerayatan
• Jivakameavan Gardens
• Swarn Bhandar
• Gridhakuta
• Pippala Cave
• Chariot Route Marks
• New Rajgir Walls
• Maniyar Math
• Saptarni Cave
• Poppala Stone
• Bimbisar Road
• Maraka Kukshi
• Jarasandh ka Akhada
• Laxmi Narayan Mandir
• Naulakha Mandir
• Pipphali House or Cave

Buddhist Destinations in India

When we talk about important Buddhist destinations in India, the first name strikes our mind is, undoubtedly, Bihar. There are a number of Buddhist destinations in Bihar, such as Rajgir, Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, etc. Bodhgaya is one of the four holy pilgrimage destinations in Buddhism. It was here that a prince (Sidharth) came in search of the truth and attained enlightenment and became famous as Lord Buddha. During your Bihar, India tours and travel you will have wonderful opportunity to see a number of Buddhist attractions. Welcome to Bihar, India.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar, India

Rajgir: One of the most important tourist destinations of India

Rajgir is a beautiful city in Nalanda district in the Indian state of Bihar. The city of Rajgir (formerly known as Rajagriha – the house of kings) was the first capital of the empire of Magadha. Situated at the distance of just 15 km from Nalanda, it is one of the most important tourist destinations of India with breathtaking scenic beauty, temples and monasteries. It is a hill town having lush green landscapes and pleasant climate which make it a perfect tourist destination. It is the place which has been associated with three major religions of India – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. While you will travel to Rajgir – the home of Royalty – you will have wonderful opportunity to see some Buddhist monasteries and Jain temples. The city is also considered as one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers of India.

Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Rajgir, Bihar

There are a lot of options for tourism in this hill town. The city is famous for its verdant hills with breathtaking scenic beauty, rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, Jain temples, Muslim tombs, shell inscriptions, etc. There are five hills which surround the picturesque land of Rajgir. From the hilltops, you will have wonderful opportunity to see panoramic view of the lush green valley of this beautiful hill town. There are a lot of places of tourist interest in this important tourist destination in India. On your Rajgir tours you will see Saptkarni caves on the Vaibhava

hill where the first Buddhist council was organized. The Saptkarni caves are also famous for hot springs. These hot sulphur springs are known for curative properties and have religious significance among Hindus. Form the foot of the Vaibhava hill a staircase leads up to various terrific temples. Surly exploring Saptkarni caves, bathing at hot springs, visiting temples, etc will be a pleasant experience of Rajgir, India tours and travel.

Green Rajgir, Beautiful Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar, India

Gridhakuta – the Vulture’s Peak – is also the popular attraction of Rajgir city. This hill is associated with Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha spent much of his life in the caves of Gridhakuta hill. While exploring Gridhakuta hill, you will have wonderful opportunity to see a massive Modern Stupa, the Vishwa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda). This beautiful Stupa was constructed by the Buddha Sangha of Japan in the commemoration of Lord Buddha. The Stupa is built in marble. There are four glimmering statues of Lord Buddha located on the four corners of this magnificent Stupa. The hill and Stupa is accessible by Ropeways. Ropeways provide a trilling and exciting experience of Rajgir tours and travel.

Road to Rajgir, Bihar

Venu Vana is also one of the major attractions of Rajgir. Blessed with scenic beauty it is dotted with several blooming plants and flowers. It provides a great treat to eyes of its visitors. It was the place where Lord Buddha used to live. It was built by King Bimbisar for Lord Buddha to reside. Jain temples, Ajatshatru Fort, Bimbisar Jail, Jarasandh-ka-Akhada, Jivakameavan Gardens, Veerayatan, Pippala cave, Swarn Bhandar, Sonbhandar Caves, Ratnagiri hill, Cyclopean Wall, etc are some other major attractions of Rajgir which make it a popular tourist destination in India.

Rajgir Ropeway Showing Plush Greenery

If you too want to visit this beautiful tourist destination of India which is known for rich history, scenic beauty, and religious significance, you are welcome. Come and explore the land of Rajgir which is considered as one of the most important tourist destinations of the country.

About Bihar

Bihar is one of the most famous states of India. It is globally known for its culture, tradition, people, agriculture, fairs, festivals, and off course its sweet Bihari Language. Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri, Magdhi, Maithili are the primary languages of Bihar. Bihar ‘the land of farmers’ lies along the eastern Gangetic Plains in North India and it is spreading the fragrance of soil globally through its rich culture.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

Bihar is surrounded by Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east, and has an international boarder with Nepal to the north. Bihar is known for its rich culture and tradition which can be seen in its fairs & festivals and village life. The state has been associated with many of legends like Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Emperor Ashoka, Ayryabhatta, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Babu Kunwar Singh, Dr Anugrah Narayan Singh, Guru Govind Singh, etc.

Madhubani Painting, Bihar

Bihar has been the seat of many dynasties. It has glorious history and produced several legends. It is the land of Lord Buddha and Lord Jain. Patna is the capital of Bihar and it has been its capital for almost 2500 years. Patna is a modern city of Bihar where one can see perfect blend of modernity and tradition. There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Bihar.

Bihar Ka Famous Lichi (Found in Muzaffarpur, Bihar)

Bihar is also known for its tourism attractions and it offers a lot of options for tourism. There are several pilgrimage centers in Bihar which are widely famous. Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Pawapuri, Rajgir, Patna, Kakolat, Nalanda, etc are well-known destinations of Bihar. The state is also rich in its flora and fauna. One can spot tigers in Balmiki National Park. The state of also known for its beautiful art and crafts. Mathili Paintings, Bhagapuri Silk, etc are widely famous. Bihari cuisine is also very delicious. Sattu, Litti, Baigan ka Chokha, Dhai, Chhachh, are so delicious.