Bihar holds a special place in the history of Buddhism as it is the land where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Many of the most important events in Buddha’s life and the growth of Buddhism are directly linked to Bihar.
Table of Contents
Birth of Buddhism
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Siddhartha Gautama (later the Buddha) was born at Lumbini (563 BCE), but most of his spiritual journey unfolded in Bihar.
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He renounced princely life in search of truth and wandered across Rajgir, Gaya, and Vaishali.
Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
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After years of meditation, Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar).
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The Mahabodhi Temple was later built at this sacred site and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Bodh Gaya became the holiest pilgrimage center for Buddhists worldwide.
Teachings and First Sermon
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After enlightenment, the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath, but continued to spend much time in Rajgir and Vaishali in Bihar.
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Preached the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a way to end suffering.
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His teachings emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, equality, and the middle path.
Buddhism in Rajgir and Vaishali
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Rajgir: Buddha meditated at Griddhakuta (Vulture’s Peak) and delivered many sermons here.
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Vaishali: A major center of early Buddhism; Buddha visited often and allowed women to join the Sangha through Mahapajapati Gotami.
Role of Magadha in Buddhist Growth
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Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, rulers of Magadha, were patrons of Buddha and supported the new faith.
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The First Buddhist Council (483 BCE) was held at Rajgir soon after Buddha’s death, under King Ajatashatru.
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The Second Buddhist Council (383 BCE) was held at Vaishali.
Ashoka and Spread of Buddhism
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Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty (3rd century BCE) embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
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Ashoka made Bodh Gaya and other Buddhist sites in Bihar centers of pilgrimage.
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Built stupas and pillars, including at Vaishali and Lauriya Nandangarh (Champaran, Bihar).
Decline and Revival
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Buddhism declined in Bihar after the Gupta period, with the revival of Hinduism.
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However, Nalanda University (5th century CE onwards) and later Vikramshila University became global centers for Buddhist learning, attracting students from China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
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Today, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Vaishali, and Nalanda remain major Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Importance of Bihar in Buddhism
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Bihar is the cradle of Buddhism, where Buddha attained enlightenment and spent most of his monastic life.
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It hosted the First and Second Buddhist Councils.
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It nurtured great Buddhist universities (Nalanda, Vikramshila).
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It continues to be the holiest destination for millions of Buddhists worldwide.