India is a country where tradition, myths, and ancient civilization rest in the labyrinthine maze of modern cities. From ancient temples which are mentioned even in ancient myths and epics to the holy wagon of the Buddhist tradition, the country seems to have retained the remains of everything which it had been through in the past. A trip to these places would bring to the minds of the travelers a sense of belonging.
Ujjain
The ancient city which dates back to the period of Buddha in the 4th century BC still holds a fort for an ancient central Indian tradition. The place which had seen the rise and fall of many kings has preserved many treasures of the great tradition of these rulers. Known for its temples of ancient times, the place now located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is visited as a pilgrim location.
The most important of the place’s monuments is the Mahankali Temple where the ruling deity is Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga or Lingam of Light temples in the country. The Shivling is the only one in the country which faces south and hence is known as Dakshina Mukha Lingam. The temple has the architectural styles of the Maurya rulers and is known to have acquired the building styles of other times as well. The temple of Chintaman Ganesh in the place is known to be the largest temple of the Lord in the country. Three railway stations could take the traveler to the place including the one called Ujjain Junction.
Dwarka
Dwarka is one of the 'Chardham' of India including Badrinath, Rameshwaram, and Puri. The city of Dwarka has a mythological existence wherein the epics it is referred to as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. While the popular belief is that the city was destroyed seven times and rebuilt each time. While the truth behind the story could be questioned, the place built by Deva Raya Kings does hold the relics of ages which all lead to more legends about the Yadava Lord. The place is located in the Jamnagar district of the Indian state of Gujarat.
While in Dwarka one should not miss the Dwarkadheesh Temple known for its architectural importance. The temple made of limestone goes up to three stories above the base structure. Interestingly the two gates of the temple, Swarg Dwar, and Moksh Dawar are believed to cleanse the souls of the pilgrims who pass through them giving them a clean chit to enter the heavens without any hassles, Kurukshetra.
Lumbini
The Buddhist pilgrim location which is now located in Rupandehi, Nepal was once part of India. Lumbini which has a tradition dating back to 363 BC is believed to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of the religion. The place which is now a world heritage spot will give you the feel of being in a saintly and serene countryside as no commercial activity is allowed in the place which is an abode for Buddhist monasteries.
The Asoka Pillar which rises to a height of 80ft marking the exact place of Buddha’s birth still stands erect in this holy land. The place also has the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha is believed to have attained his enlightenment. The holy pond, Puskarini in which Gautama’s mother is believed to have taken a dip right before his birth is also a known pilgrim location. The tranquil place located at the foothills of the Himalayas is known to attract pilgrims all through the year.
Patliputra (Patna)
Now known as Patna, the capital of Bihar this ancient city of Patliputra is a famous Buddhist hub and an excavation site where the history of the past lies buried. It is believed that this city which was built before the birth of Christ is not completely unearthed from under its modern-day settlements.
Based on the recent archaeological findings the richest period of this ancient city is believed to be during the rule of the Maurya King Ashoka. Set in a scenic location, the place is ideal for travelers who want to experience peace even while witnessing something majestically magnificent. From the Patliputra (Patna) the convergence of River Ganga with the sea also becomes visible. While in Patna one should not miss the archeological sites Kumhrar, Agam Kuan, Golghar, and Gurudwara at Gaighat to do some exploration.
Mathura
Known as Krishna Janma Bhoomi or the Birth Place of Krishna, Mathura has an important place in the travel guide of many travelers who are interested in the beliefs and traditions of the Indian subcontinent. This ancient city is now located in Madhya Pradesh, 50 km north of Agra and150 km south of Delhi. The Krishna temple located in the place is also a pilgrim spot. The temple inherits its architecture from the period of Maurya rule and is also visited throughout the year by travelers interested in exploration. There are various pilgrim locals in and around this ancient city.
Kushinagar
This city located in Uttar Pradesh is where the iconic Gautama Buddha was put to rest. The place which borders Nepal is also known to have a rich Hindu tradition before the onset of Buddhism. One of the most frequently visited places in Kushinagar is Maha Parinirvana Stupa which is a stone pillar erected over Buddha’s place of Nirvana (death). The feel of the place which has many ruins of ancient monasteries takes the traveler far back in time.
The place of Buddha’s cremation which is 1.6 km away from the Stupa is also visited by pilgrims and travelers. Close to the Stupa is the 1,500-year-old image of Buddha depicting the radiance of his face while he attained Nirvana?
Bodh Gaya
Siddhartha meditated for 49 days straight at the base of the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya before reaching enlightenment. Later named Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, this enlightenment destination which is located in the state of Bihar is a must-visit spot for a traveler who is in search of inner peace. The centuries-old Bodhi tree is still preserved at the destination and the sight of the place is meant to bring back a new self in you. Bodh Gaya which is known as the most important Buddhist spiritual destination is visited by millions of people every year, both tourists and locals.
The place which is set right in the middle of the land untouched by the modern development of civilization will also serve as a sanctuary for those who are in search of a quiet holiday, far from the maddening crowd. The place also has the Maha Bodhi Temple, which is centuries old. The temple has a golden shrine that is open for visits. The place which is 96 km away from Patna, the capital city of the state is well connected through road and rail.
Nalanda
The ancient seat of learning, situated in Bihar, Nalanda existed in the 5th century BC when Gautama Buddha walked the Indian soil. This ancient university which had all the facilities of a modern-day one was visited by Buddha and also the founder of Jainism, Mahavira. A visit to this ancient city will bring the traveler a peek into the rich tradition of the country and its archaic knowledge systems.
What remains now for the traveler to see is the huge lecture hall, dormitories, reading rooms, stone images of Buddha, and other artifacts? Many of these are now preserved in Nalanda Museum nearby.
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