Buddhist pilgrimage sites
The most important places in Buddhism are located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of southern Nepal and northern India. This is the area where Gautama Buddha was born, lived, and taught, and the main sites connected to his life are now important places of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. Many countries that are or were predominantly Buddhist have shrines and places which can be visited as a pilgrimage.
Pilgrims, Tsurphu Gompa, Tibet, 1993
Tibetan pilgrim, Rewalsar Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Elderly pilgrim, Tsurphu Gompa, Tibet, 1993
Lumbinī is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province in Nepal. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, queen Maya gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama at around 566 BCE. Gautama, who, according to Buddhist tradition, achieved Enlightenment some time around 528 BCE, became Shakyamuni Buddha and founded Buddhism. Lumbini is one of many magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha.
Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini marking the Buddha's birthplace
Ashoka Pillar of Lumbini
Lumbini pillar inscription by King Ripumalla: " Om Mani Padme Hum Sri Ripu Malla Chiram Jayatu 1234 Saka Era (Om Mani Padme Hum May Prince Ripu Malla be long victorious)"
World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini