Travel Date: April 11, 2018
Vaishali
Vaishali, located in present-day Bihar, India, is a significant sacred site in Buddhist history. It was an important place during the later years of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life, where he announced his impending parinirvana and engaged in several teachings and discussions on Dharma. Vaishali is also recognized as the site of the First Buddhist Council, marking the beginning of the systematic compilation of Buddhist scriptures. Additionally, it is one of the eight major Buddhist pilgrimage sites and is famous for the Ashokan pillar erected there, with its lion capital symbolizing the dissemination and stability of the Dharma.
Kesariya Stupa
Kesariya Stupa, located in Bihar, India, is one of the most significant relics in Buddhist history. It is believed to be the place where the Buddha delivered his last sermon to his disciples on his way to Kushinagar for his parinirvana. The stupa is considered one of the tallest Buddhist stupas in the world. Its grandeur and historical importance make it a vital pilgrimage and research site for Buddhists and historians alike. The archaeological remains around the stupa further reveal its glorious past as a prominent center of Buddhism.
