Pilgrimage means a journey to a holy or a sacred place. So the person who goes on such a journey is known as a pilgrim. The Buddha told his chief attendant Ananda that there are four places that a believer in the Dhamma should visit with respect. They are; the Buddha's birthplace, place of enlightenment, the place of his first sermon and the place where he passed away into Parinibbana (final enlightenment and the end of rebirth). If any pilgrim should die along the pilgrimage route, because of their good intention and their state of mind, they are sure to be reborn in deva loka (heaven).

       The pilgrimage starts up in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in the country of Nepal. The place is known as Lumbini and it's just near the border of India.

       More than 2500 years ago, a great queen, Maha Maya was on her way to her parents kingdom to give birth to her first baby but she didn't make it. Underneath a Sal tree in the Lumbini gardens, she gave birth to the baby boy who they named Siddhatta Gotama and later became known as the Buddha.

       Today, there is a tall stone pillar that was built by King Asoka (273-236 B.C.), some ruined buildings, a large tree, a pool and other memorials. Many pilgrims come to offer flowers and light candles, to pay homage to and to reflect upon the Triple Gems (The Buddha, his teaching and the community of monks) and to meditate.

       The next place is probably the most famous of the four places, where Siddhatta Gotama attained to enlightenment. Since then, faithful people have been going there hoping to do the same.

       After six long years of striving to understand the truth of life he sat under what is now known as the Bodhi tree and made the determination that he would not get up until he had become fully enlightened. He achieved his goal and became the Buddha (awakened one).

       Today, the place is known as Bodhgaya. There is a large stone pagoda and of course there is a large Bodhi tree but it's not the original one. There are many Buddhist monasteries from different countries, Tibet, Thailand, Burma, Japan and so-on. To visit Bodhgaya is a real multi-cultural experience.

       Sarnath, in the district of Varanasi or Benares, is the place where the Buddha gave his first sermon to the five ascetics in the deer park at Isipatana. Here, the Buddha also ordained the first bhikkhu (monk) and the Sangha began.

       Many pilgrims from India and around the world, come to visit this special place every day. Here too, there are many monasteries, shrines and temples. King Asoka also built a pillar and a great stupa here which is round and solid.

       The last of the four places told by the Buddha is Kusinara or Kushingar. Here, after 45 years of wandering on foot and sharing his teachings, the great Buddha passed away between two Sal trees at the age of 80. The Buddha was cremated and the remains, like pieces of bones and teeth which are called relics are enshrined in many pagodas and temples all over the world.

       These days, there are many Buddhist buildings built around that site including, monasteries, shrines and stupas. Here, we may see a reclining Buddha. This is to remember the Buddha from the time he was dying and gave his last and longest discourse, the Parinibbana Sutta.

       There are a few more places of interest for Buddhists who go on a pilgrimage, like;

       Shravasti or Savatti, where the Jetavana monastery was built by the millionaire, Anattapindaka for the Buddha and the Sangha to stay. Now there are, 2 monasteries, 6 temples and 5 stupas.

       Rajagriha, is the area where Jivaka's mango grove, Vulture's Peak, Sonabandar Caves (the first council) and other important places may be found. Devadatta and Prince Ajatasattu lived here.

       Vaishali or Vesali, is the site of the great hall, Mahavana. This is where Pajapati Gotami (Buddha's aunt) and 500 Sakyan ladies were ordained as the first bhikkhunis (nuns).

       Many Buddhists from all over the world travel to these special places, maybe one day, you will too.

Related article for further reading selected by the Course Organizer:

        1. Pilgrimage to Buddhagaya and Sarnath , by U Tin Htoon, 1990.

        2. Pilgrimage to Buddha Gaya, (Photos) , by Nyaung Gan Aye Sayadaw, 1995.

        3. The Four Holy Places , by Venerable Milinda, 1999