Buddhist Temples and Sacred Sites in India
Buddhism began in India, and three of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites lie within the borders of modern-day India (the fourth is Lumbini, in Nepal). In addition, India contains Buddhist cave temples and other Buddhist temples throughout the country.
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Ajanta Caves A series of 29 Buddhist cave temples, some of which date to the 2nd century BC, used by Buddhist monks for hundreds of years as prayer halls and monasteries. |
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Bodhgaya The site of the Buddha's enlightenment and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site includes the Bodhi Tree, the Mahabodhi Temple, and other temples. |
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Ellora Caves Tenth-century cave temples near Aurangabad; some Hindu, some Jain, some Buddhist. A UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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Kushingar (Kusinara) Place of the Buddha's death, or passing into parinirvana. One of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Includes a cremation mound and several ancient temples. |
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Sarnath The deer park where the Buddha gave his first sermon and one of the four major Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. Most of the site is in ruins, but several stupas remain. |
