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NDTV
24-05-2025
- NDTV
9 Sacred Buddhist Sites That Will Reset Your Mind And Soul
Buddhist sites have always drawn people seeking calm, clarity, and a deeper connection beyond daily noise. Whether you're after spiritual reflection, striking architecture, or just a quiet moment, these places offer a rare sense of stillness. From sacred stupas to serene mountain monasteries, they invite you to slow down and reset. Far from being typical tourist spots, these destinations carry centuries of devotion, culture, and quiet power. If you're looking for more than just a break-something that feels purposeful — these nine sacred Buddhist sites around the world offer peace, perspective, and a welcome step away from the usual chaos of travel. Here Are 9 Must-Visit Buddhist Sites Around The World: 1. Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India Arguably the most sacred spot in Buddhism, Bodh Gaya is where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha after meditating under the Bodhi Tree. Today, the Mahabodhi Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hub for pilgrims from every corner of the globe. The vibe here? Quiet, reverent, and oddly grounding. Visit early morning or at dusk when monks chant around the tree — it's spine-tingling in the best way. 2. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar Towering at 99 metres and covered in gold leaf, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a stunner. Legend has it that it's over 2,600 years old, making it the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. With its bejewelled spire and relics of four Buddhas, this is not just a religious site-it's an icon. Locals come here to light candles and offer flowers, creating a steady rhythm of devotion that's oddly hypnotic. 3. Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand Right in the heart of Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to a massive 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. But there's more to it than photo ops. The temple is also a centre for traditional Thai massage and healing. Spend time walking its peaceful courtyards and peek into smaller shrines that most tourists miss. Don't skip the massage school if you're serious about letting go of tension-physical or otherwise. 4. Taktsang Monastery, Paro Valley, Bhutan Perched 3,120 metres above sea level on a cliffside, Taktsang Palphug Monastery — also known as the Tiger's Nest — is one of the world's most photogenic spiritual retreats. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the 8th century. The hike up is no joke, but the views and the palpable sense of calm are worth every step. Dress in layers and carry water — you'll need both. 5. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India Less chaotic than Bodh Gaya but just as significant, Sanchi is home to one of the oldest stone structures in India, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, the Great Stupa is surrounded by intricately carved gateways that narrate the Buddha's life. It's a quiet site, often overlooked, making it ideal for those who want the spiritual experience minus the crowds. 6. Lumbini, Nepal This is where it all started — literally. Lumbini is believed to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The UNESCO-listed site includes the World Peace Pagoda and Maya Devi Temple along with a sacred pond, all set within a sprawling monastic zone supported by countries around the world. It's a fascinating blend of international architecture and genuine spiritual energy. Aim for sunrise for the softest light and fewest people. 7. Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan Photo: Pixabay Tucked away in the mountains of Wakayama, Mount Koya (Koyasan) is home to over 100 temples and the headquarters of the Shingon school of Buddhism. You can actually stay overnight in temple lodgings (shukubo), eat monk-prepared vegan meals and join in morning prayers. The Okunoin Cemetery, lined with ancient cedars and stone lanterns, feels like something out of a dream — quiet, haunting, beautiful. 8. Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju, South Korea This 8th-century cave temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Bulguksa temple complex. Inside the grotto is a seated Buddha, serene and surrounded by guardian deities carved into granite. It's a bit of a trek to get here, but the forested path and coastal views add to the overall sense of isolation and calm. Go early-crowds tend to pick up by late morning. 9. Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal With its massive white dome and all-seeing eyes of the Buddha painted at the top, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest in the world and a key site for Tibetan Buddhism. Every day, locals and monks circle the stupa clockwise, spinning prayer wheels as they go. There's a hum of chanting, the scent of butter lamps, and little rooftop cafes perfect for people-watching while sipping masala chai.
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Business Standard
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Bihar cabinet approves renaming of Gaya town to 'Gaya Ji' citing sentiment
Gaya town in Bihar will now be known as 'Gaya Ji'. The decision was taken into a state cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Briefing the reporters after the meeting the State's additional chief secretary S Siddharth said that the decision was taken in view of local sentiments and the townS historical and religious significance. Taking to X, Janata Dal United (JDU) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha thanked CM Nitish Kumar for renaming the town "I am thankful to the honourable Chief Minister from the bottom of my heart for this important decision of changing the name and hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of 'Gayaji'," he said. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also welcomed the decision and said that this decision highlights the religious significance of Gaya. "The decision of the state cabinet to rename Gaya as 'Gayaji' is a matter of welcome and pride. This decision not only further highlights the religious significance of Gaya but also reflects the NDA government's dedication towards Sanatan culture and commitment to the preservation of religious places," Prasad wrote on X. Gaya town is known for its religious significance. Lakhs of tourists from across the globe visit Gaya every year during 'Pitrapaksh' to offer 'Pind Daan' to the souls of ancestors. Gaya was the part of the ancient Magadh Empire. The city is located on the bank of Falgu River. hree hills Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila and Brahmayoni surround it from three sides. The most attractive destination in Gaya is Vishnupad Temple. The temple is located on the bank of river Falgu River and has footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur's chest. Bodhgaya is also situated in Gaya which is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha.
NDTV
17-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Bihar Government Renames Gaya Town As 'Gaya Ji'
Patna: Gaya town in Bihar will now be known as 'Gaya Ji'. The decision was taken into a state cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Briefing the reporters after the meeting the State's additional chief secretary S Siddharth said that the decision was taken in view of local sentiments and the townS historical and religious significance. Taking to X, Janata Dal United (JDU) National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha thanked CM Nitish Kumar for renaming the town "I am thankful to the honourable Chief Minister from the bottom of my heart for this important decision of changing the name and hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of 'Gayaji'," he said. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also welcomed the decision and said that this decision highlights the religious significance of Gaya "The decision of the state cabinet to rename Gaya as 'Gayaji' is a matter of welcome and pride. This decision not only further highlights the religious significance of Gaya but also reflects the NDA government's dedication towards Sanatan culture and commitment to the preservation of religious places," Prasad wrote on X. Gaya town is known for its religious significance. Lakhs of tourists from across the globe visit Gaya every year during 'Pitrapaksh' to offer 'Pind Daan' to the souls of ancestors. Gaya was the part of the ancient Magadh Empire. The city is located on the bank of Falgu River. hree hills Mangala-Gauri, Shringa-Sthan, Ram-Shila and Brahmayoni surround it from three sides. The most attractive destination in Gaya is Vishnupad Temple. The temple is located on the bank of river Falgu River and has footprint of Vishnu incised into a block of basalt. People believe that Lord Vishnu killed Gayasur by placing his foot on Gayasur's chest. Bodhgaya is also situated in Gaya which is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha.
NDTV
02-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India Sends Holy Buddha Relics To Vietnam For Public Exposition
New Delhi: The holy relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at a vihara in Uttar Pradesh's Sarnath, reached Ho Chi Minh City on Friday in an IAF aircraft for an exposition during the gala celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak being hosted by Vietnam. Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Kandula Durgesh, revered monks and senior officials from India accompanied the sacred relics, which were transported by the special aircraft, the government said in a statement. The Holy Buddha Relic from India arrived in #Vietnam, was taken to the Buddha Hall at the Vietnam Buddhist University for a sacred ceremony and then brought through a grand procession to Thanh Tam #Pagoda, where the Public Exposition of the Sacred Relic will take place. @PMOIndia … — International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (@IbcWorldOrg) May 2, 2025 Mr Rijiju is leading the government delegation to Vietnam. "Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception was accorded by the Govt of Vietnam & Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from 2nd-21st May 2025 for UN Vesak Day celebrations," Mr Rijiju posted on X and also shared some photos. The visit is taking place in the context of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted by Vietnam from May 6-8, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a statement on Friday. The holy relics of Lord Buddha were transported to Vietnam by the special IAF aircraft from the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, befitting the status of a "State Guest", officials said on Thursday. The sacred relics were ceremonially brought to Delhi on Wednesday and placed in a "special protected enclosure" at the National Museum for prayers for a couple of hours. On Thursday evening, the holy relics were taken from the National Museum to the Hindan Air Base with full "state honours" in a "special bulletproof vehicle" after rituals at the museum for their onward journey to Vietnam. The aircraft arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning. The holy relics were received by Dao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs of Vietnam, Duong Ngoc Hai, Standing Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Thich Tri Quang and venerable monks of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the statement said. Special ceremonial prayers were held at the airport on arrival, followed by prayers led by the Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the enshrinement of the holy relics at Thanh Tam Monastery, Ho Chi Minh City, it said. "On the occasion, a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree brought from India was planted by the visiting minister from India and the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City," the statement said. In Vietnam, the sacred relics will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated and worshipped at several important sites, the culture ministry earlier said. The holy relics will be at the Thanh Tam Monastery from May 2-7, followed by their exposition in the Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and Ha Nam provinces till May 21, it said. The sacred relics have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the government of India with the support of the International Buddha Confederation. The holy relics hold special significance for the Buddhist community around the world, and their exposition in Vietnam is taking place for the first time. "India treasures the strong bonds between the people of India and Vietnam and wish that the visit of holy relics to Vietnam and other related activities will further deepen these close ties between India and Vietnam," it said.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Holy relics of Lord Buddha reach Vietnam in IAF aircraft
New Delhi, The holy relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at a vihara in Uttar Pradesh's Sarnath, reached Ho Chi Minh City on Friday in an IAF aircraft for an exposition during the gala celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak being hosted by Vietnam. Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Kandula Durgesh, revered monks and senior officials from India accompanied the sacred relics, which were transported by the special aircraft, the government said in a statement. Rijiju is leading the government delegation to Vietnam. "Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception was accorded by the Govt of Vietnam & Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from 2nd-21st May 2025 for UN Vesak Day celebrations," Rijiju posted on X and also shared some photos. The visit is taking place in the context of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted by Vietnam from May 6-8, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a statement on Friday. The holy relics of Lord Buddha were transported to Vietnam by the special IAF aircraft from the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, befitting the status of a "State Guest", officials said on Thursday. The sacred relics were ceremonially brought to Delhi on Wednesday and placed in a "special protected enclosure" at the National Museum for prayers for a couple of hours. On Thursday evening, the holy relics were taken from the National Museum to the Hindan Air Base with full "state honours" in a "special bulletproof vehicle" after rituals at the museum for their onward journey to Vietnam. The aircraft arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning. The holy relics were received by Dao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs of Vietnam, Duong Ngoc Hai, Standing Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Thich Tri Quang and venerable monks of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the statement said. Special ceremonial prayers were held at the airport on arrival, followed by prayers led by the Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the enshrinement of the holy relics at Thanh Tam Monastery, Ho Chi Minh City, it said. "On the occasion, a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree brought from India was planted by the visiting minister from India and the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City," the statement said. In Vietnam, the sacred relics will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated and worshipped at several important sites, the culture ministry earlier said. The holy relics will be at the Thanh Tam Monastery from May 2-7, followed by their exposition in the Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and Ha Nam provinces till May 21, it said. The sacred relics have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the government of India with the support of the International Buddha Confederation. The holy relics hold special significance for the Buddhist community around the world, and their exposition in Vietnam is taking place for the first time. "India treasures the strong bonds between the people of India and Vietnam and wish that the visit of holy relics to Vietnam and other related activities will further deepen these close ties between India and Vietnam," it said.
