The most important places of pilgrimage in Buddhism are located in the Gangetic plains of Northern India and Southern Nepal, in the area between New Delhi and Rajgir. This is the area where Gauthama Buddha lived and taught his doctrine. The main sites connected to his life are now important places of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. There are four main sites that would produce a feeling of spiritual urgency. They are: Bodh Gaya (Buddhagaya) is the most important site because it was the place where Prince Siddhartha attained Enlightenment and Buddhahood.
Next in importance is Lumbini in Nepal, the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha. Thirdly, Sarnath (formally Isipathana), the place where the Buddha delivered his first sermon Dhammachakka Pavattna Sutta. Fourthly, Kusinagar, the place where the Buddha attained Parinibbna.
In addition, there are four other places that every pilgrim should visit. They are: Sravasti where the Buddha performed the Twin Miracle showing his supernatural abilities in the performance of miracles. Sravasti was also the place where the Buddha spent the largest amount of time. Secondly, Rajgir, the place where the Buddha subdued Nalagiri, the angry elephant. Thirdly, Sankassa, the place where the Buddha descended to earth from Tusitha (heaven) after spending three months teaching his mother Abidhamma. Fourthly, Vaishali, the place where the Buddha accepted an offering of honey from a monkey.
Pilgrimage sites
Some other pilgrimage sites in India and Nepal are Pataliputra, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Gaya, Kapilavastu, Kosambi, Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda, Sanchi, Varanasi, Kesariya, Devdaha and Mathura.
After the passing away of the Buddha, the relics of his body were collected from the funeral pyre and divided into eight parts. They were distributed to claimants, and stupas were erected containing the relics. The practice of pilgrimage in Buddhism probably started with visits to these places.
The purpose was to achieve personal advantage such as rebirth in a good location as well as to honour the Great Master. The custom of pilgrimage has been widespread among Buddhists for many centuries.
Most of us have gone on pilgrimages and gathered experience. When we were young we joined pilgrims not out of piety but curiosity and excitement. Before setting out on a pilgrimage, elders spend a lot of time planning and collecting essential items to be taken on the holy trip. If you are visiting a foreign country, you have to think of the food and water. In addition, cooking has to be done by the pilgrims.
On a recent pilgrimage to India we were taken to unfamiliar places. In some parts of the country children of school-going age are seen begging on the streets. They ask for money, biscuits and soap. Some children, half-naked, play musical instruments and sing Hindi songs to draw the attention of pilgrims.
Despite such pitiful sights, pilgrims from various countries flock to religious sites in India in their thousands. They worship the sacred Bo tree, images of the Buddha and ruined stupas with great piety. By worshipping such objects they fulfil an inspiration present in their minds and obtain some spiritual solace.
Pilgrims buy various items such as, small Buddha statues as mementos. While the well-to-do travel in air-conditioned buses and trains, others make use of public transport.
Travelling in a foreign country carrying heavy bags leads to fatigue and loneliness. However, most pilgrims bear such discomforts willingly.
Pilgrims to India are impressed by the work done by Emperor Dharmasoka whose conversion to the Buddhist faith ranks in importance for the Orient, with the conversion of Constantine the Great to Christianity for the West.
The emperor did reverence to holy places and ordered an imperial standard to be set up. He distributed largesse of gold and made the village free of state taxes for ever. He was keen on preserving Kapilavastu, the scene of Great Renunciation and the Sacred Bo tree at Gaya under which Prince Siddhartha attained Enlightenment. The emperor built a shrine there, probably similar to the one which now exists at the place and lavished alms upon the crowds of mendicants.
Deer Park
His attention was then drawn to Sarnath, the Deer Park or sacred grove in which the Buddha first proclaimed the Dhamma or “turned the Wheel of the Law.” At Sravasti where the Buddha lived and taught, Asoka put up a stupa. At the stupa of Ananda he gave largesse of a million pieces of gold. He set up memorial columns throughout the empire and engraved on them didactic edicts. He also sent missionaries to neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka to propagate Buddhism.
The emperor issued regulations for the protection of birds and other animals. He specifically banned the destruction of forests. It is said that no animal food was served at the imperial dining table and the emperor practised the vows of a Buddhist monk.
Emperor Dharmasoka’s most important mission was the one that carried Buddhism to Ceylon. Mahinda, the emperor’s younger brother (son, according to another version) visited the island followed by Dharmasoka’s daughter Sanghamitta, who brought a branch of the Sacred Bo tree which still exists in Anuradhapura.
Every pilgrim who visits India or Jambudveepa would certainly come back with memories of Emperor Dharmasoka and his meritorious deeds. Pilgrims also owe their gratitude to Anagarika Dharmapala who fought valiantly to preserve the Buddhist heritage for future generations.