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Maya Devi Temple and the sacred pond at Lumbini, Nepal

Asia · Buddhist pilgrimage

India & Nepal Pilgrimage Trip

Patna & Nalanda, Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Sarnath & Kushinagar.

Bihar · India · Nalanda archaeological site · 22 photographs

Patna & Nalanda

Our pilgrimage starts from Patna. This opening chapter includes our visit to Nalanda’s ancient monastic ruins, museum and World Heritage grounds, along with a shared meal. From Patna, we travelled to Bodh Gaya by rented tourist van on 5 October 2023 — a journey of 190 km.

Ancient red-brick structures rise beneath a bright blue sky at Nalanda. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Ancient red-brick structures rise beneath a bright blue sky at Nalanda. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Our pilgrimage group shares a meal around a long table. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Our pilgrimage group shares a meal around a long table. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
The Nalanda Archaeological Museum introduction describes its collection and history. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
The Nalanda Archaeological Museum introduction describes its collection and history. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Green lawns surround the excavated brick remains of Nalanda Mahavihara. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Green lawns surround the excavated brick remains of Nalanda Mahavihara. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
The UNESCO plaque commemorates Nalanda Mahavihara’s World Heritage inscription. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
The UNESCO plaque commemorates Nalanda Mahavihara’s World Heritage inscription. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A closer view of a site information plaque beside the ancient remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A closer view of a site information plaque beside the ancient remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Looking down into a brick-lined chamber with greenery along its floor. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Looking down into a brick-lined chamber with greenery along its floor. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A bilingual information plaque explains part of the monastic remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A bilingual information plaque explains part of the monastic remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Our group poses beside the monumental brick ruins at Nalanda. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Our group poses beside the monumental brick ruins at Nalanda. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Steps lead up between the tall brick structures of the archaeological site. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Steps lead up between the tall brick structures of the archaeological site. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Sunlight falls across the large brick monument and its surrounding remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Sunlight falls across the large brick monument and its surrounding remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Low foundations and grassy courtyards reveal the layout of the ancient complex. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Low foundations and grassy courtyards reveal the layout of the ancient complex. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A brick path follows the edge of the excavated monastic ruins. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A brick path follows the edge of the excavated monastic ruins. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Rectangular brick foundations lie beside a shaded walkway. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Rectangular brick foundations lie beside a shaded walkway. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Carved stone fragments stand among the ancient brick remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
Carved stone fragments stand among the ancient brick remains. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An interpretation plaque identifies Temple No. 12. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An interpretation plaque identifies Temple No. 12. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A view across the ruins with an information plaque in the foreground. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A view across the ruins with an information plaque in the foreground. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An information board recounts the history of the archaeological site. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An information board recounts the history of the archaeological site. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An interpretation plaque mounted against weathered red brickwork. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
An interpretation plaque mounted against weathered red brickwork. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A visitor stands in a narrow passage framed by ancient brick walls. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A visitor stands in a narrow passage framed by ancient brick walls. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A small opening at the base of a weathered brick wall. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A small opening at the base of a weathered brick wall. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A tall palm tree spreads its crown against the blue sky. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.
A tall palm tree spreads its crown against the blue sky. — Nalanda, Bihar, India · Patna chapter.

Rupandehi District · Lumbini Province · Nepal · 18 photographs

Lumbini — The Birthplace of Lord Buddha

The Maya Devi Temple, the sacred pond, and the Ashoka pillar mark a place of beginnings. Photographs of the grounds, Buddhist teachings, and our group at Lumbini.

The Pancha Sila stone presents the five Buddhist precepts in the garden. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The Pancha Sila stone presents the five Buddhist precepts in the garden. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A colourful Pancha Sila board shares the five precepts with visitors. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A colourful Pancha Sila board shares the five precepts with visitors. — Lumbini, Nepal.
An illustrated information board introduces the sacred grounds. — Lumbini, Nepal.
An illustrated information board introduces the sacred grounds. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Our pilgrimage group pauses for a photograph beside the Maya Devi Temple. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Our pilgrimage group pauses for a photograph beside the Maya Devi Temple. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The Maya Devi Temple reflected in the still waters of the sacred pond. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The Maya Devi Temple reflected in the still waters of the sacred pond. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A group portrait beneath the trees of the sacred garden. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A group portrait beneath the trees of the sacred garden. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A close view of the inscription on the Ashoka pillar. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A close view of the inscription on the Ashoka pillar. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A broad walkway passes between decorative gateways in the pilgrimage grounds. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A broad walkway passes between decorative gateways in the pilgrimage grounds. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A close view of a stone marker, with visitors gathered beside it. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A close view of a stone marker, with visitors gathered beside it. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A golden standing Buddha surrounded by flowers and Buddhist flags. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A golden standing Buddha surrounded by flowers and Buddhist flags. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The World Heritage plaque identifies Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The World Heritage plaque identifies Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The white Maya Devi Temple rises behind the World Heritage marker. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The white Maya Devi Temple rises behind the World Heritage marker. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Ancient brick foundations in front of the Maya Devi Temple. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Ancient brick foundations in front of the Maya Devi Temple. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The Ashoka pillar and its information plaque behind a golden railing. — Lumbini, Nepal.
The Ashoka pillar and its information plaque behind a golden railing. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Looking up the weathered stone shaft of the Ashoka pillar. — Lumbini, Nepal.
Looking up the weathered stone shaft of the Ashoka pillar. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A golden infant Buddha statue stands above a garden pedestal. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A golden infant Buddha statue stands above a garden pedestal. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A long view down the canal, framed by trees and a stone terrace. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A long view down the canal, framed by trees and a stone terrace. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A ceremonial bell hangs beneath an ornate golden arch. — Lumbini, Nepal.
A ceremonial bell hangs beneath an ornate golden arch. — Lumbini, Nepal.

Nepal · Sacred sites · 9 photographs

Beyond Lumbini

Ancient brick foundations, shaded paths, and the palace gate associated with Prince Gautama’s departure.

The Kudan information board introduces another stop on the pilgrimage. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
The Kudan information board introduces another stop on the pilgrimage. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Ancient brick remains rise above a green lawn. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Ancient brick remains rise above a green lawn. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Our group gathers beside the boardwalk and archaeological remains. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Our group gathers beside the boardwalk and archaeological remains. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Walking along a raised path through the historic grounds. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Walking along a raised path through the historic grounds. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
A quiet lawn and mature trees surround the ancient remains. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
A quiet lawn and mature trees surround the ancient remains. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Sunlight and shade fall across a tree-lined path through the ruins. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Sunlight and shade fall across a tree-lined path through the ruins. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Prince Gautama left the palace from this gate. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Prince Gautama left the palace from this gate. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
A weathered stone monument stands in a shaded grassy clearing. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
A weathered stone monument stands in a shaded grassy clearing. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Low brick foundations lie beneath the spreading branches of a tree. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.
Low brick foundations lie beneath the spreading branches of a tree. — Sacred sites near Lumbini, Nepal.

Gaya District · Bihar · India · 15 photographs

Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi Temple marks the place of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Temple visits, shrines, and moments along the way.

Visitors approach the gateway welcoming pilgrims to the Mahabodhi Temple. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Visitors approach the gateway welcoming pilgrims to the Mahabodhi Temple. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A tree-shaded passage alongside the temple grounds. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A tree-shaded passage alongside the temple grounds. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A richly decorated shrine entrance opens into a dim interior. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A richly decorated shrine entrance opens into a dim interior. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A group portrait in front of a shrine, flower pots and offerings. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A group portrait in front of a shrine, flower pots and offerings. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A stop at a small stall filled with colourful religious souvenirs. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A stop at a small stall filled with colourful religious souvenirs. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Clocks, framed images and religious objects fill a small shop interior. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Clocks, framed images and religious objects fill a small shop interior. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A pause beneath the trees beside a small roadside stall. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A pause beneath the trees beside a small roadside stall. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Our group poses beneath the soaring spire of the Mahabodhi Temple. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
Our group poses beneath the soaring spire of the Mahabodhi Temple. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The carved Mahabodhi Temple spire rises above the visitors below. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The carved Mahabodhi Temple spire rises above the visitors below. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
An ornate monastery gateway frames the courtyard beyond. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
An ornate monastery gateway frames the courtyard beyond. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A monumental gateway marks another monastery visit. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A monumental gateway marks another monastery visit. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A medical-store sign offers a glimpse of everyday life along the pilgrimage. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A medical-store sign offers a glimpse of everyday life along the pilgrimage. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The Thai-style temple roof appears above a green garden. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The Thai-style temple roof appears above a green garden. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The entrance sign of Wat Thai Buddhagaya welcomes visitors. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
The entrance sign of Wat Thai Buddhagaya welcomes visitors. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A golden seated Buddha beneath an ornate canopy and decorated ceiling. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.
A golden seated Buddha beneath an ornate canopy and decorated ceiling. — Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India.

Varanasi District · Uttar Pradesh · India · 56 photographs

Varanasi & Sarnath

River light in Varanasi, a shared meal, and a visit to Sarnath — where the Buddha gave his first teaching after enlightenment.

The low sun casts a golden reflection across the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The low sun casts a golden reflection across the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sharing fried chicken during a relaxed meal break. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sharing fried chicken during a relaxed meal break. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Conversation and food around the table during our pilgrimage. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Conversation and food around the table during our pilgrimage. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group enjoys a meal together before the next visit. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group enjoys a meal together before the next visit. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A cheerful close-up with the temple and gardens in the background. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A cheerful close-up with the temple and gardens in the background. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group gathers in front of the golden Buddha inside the temple. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group gathers in front of the golden Buddha inside the temple. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The temple’s golden Buddha sits before a deep red curtain. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The temple’s golden Buddha sits before a deep red curtain. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A teaching board shares Buddhist reflections with garden visitors. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A teaching board shares Buddhist reflections with garden visitors. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Trees shade a quiet water feature in the temple grounds. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Trees shade a quiet water feature in the temple grounds. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Visitors look across low brick foundations at the archaeological site. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Visitors look across low brick foundations at the archaeological site. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A site plan helps visitors make sense of the ancient remains. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A site plan helps visitors make sense of the ancient remains. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group selfie around a table filled with shared dishes. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group selfie around a table filled with shared dishes. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Boats rest beside the broad steps along the Ganges riverbank. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Boats rest beside the broad steps along the Ganges riverbank. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Weathered lettering and painted details on a riverside wall. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Weathered lettering and painted details on a riverside wall. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Another close view of the markings along the riverfront steps. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Another close view of the markings along the riverfront steps. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An imposing riverside building rises above the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An imposing riverside building rises above the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Historic waterfront buildings seen across the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Historic waterfront buildings seen across the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group photograph aboard the boat, with the ghats behind us. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group photograph aboard the boat, with the ghats behind us. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Life jackets and riverfront buildings during our Ganges boat ride. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Life jackets and riverfront buildings during our Ganges boat ride. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Looking forward along the boat as we travel beside the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Looking forward along the boat as we travel beside the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A broad riverside façade reflected in the moving water. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A broad riverside façade reflected in the moving water. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Boats and crowds gather below a densely built riverfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Boats and crowds gather below a densely built riverfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Temples and buildings line the steps descending to the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Temples and buildings line the steps descending to the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Moored boats lie beneath the sunlit riverfront walls. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Moored boats lie beneath the sunlit riverfront walls. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Evening lights begin to glow along the crowded waterfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Evening lights begin to glow along the crowded waterfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A boat full of passengers passes along the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A boat full of passengers passes along the Ganges. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The ghats brighten as daylight gives way to evening. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The ghats brighten as daylight gives way to evening. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Illuminated temples and busy boats beside the evening riverfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Illuminated temples and busy boats beside the evening riverfront. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A grand waterfront façade glows under warm evening lights. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A grand waterfront façade glows under warm evening lights. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The riverbank lit up after sunset, seen from the water. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The riverbank lit up after sunset, seen from the water. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Two companions in life jackets pose with the waterfront behind them. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Two companions in life jackets pose with the waterfront behind them. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A portrait during the boat ride as evening settles over the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A portrait during the boat ride as evening settles over the ghats. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A quiet moment aboard the boat in the fading light. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A quiet moment aboard the boat in the fading light. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Crowds gather for an evening riverside ceremony amid light and smoke. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Crowds gather for an evening riverside ceremony amid light and smoke. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the gathering at the evening ceremony. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the gathering at the evening ceremony. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The riverfront ceremony fills the night with lamps, smoke and people. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The riverfront ceremony fills the night with lamps, smoke and people. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A busy street market lined with vendors and passing shoppers. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A busy street market lined with vendors and passing shoppers. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group portrait on the approach to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A group portrait on the approach to Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Buddhist memorial in the garden, with flags and tall trees behind it. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Buddhist memorial in the garden, with flags and tall trees behind it. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The entrance towers of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar above its dedication plaque. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The entrance towers of Mulagandha Kuti Vihar above its dedication plaque. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An inscribed memorial stone stands among the garden’s greenery. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An inscribed memorial stone stands among the garden’s greenery. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A wooden donation board beneath a corrugated shelter. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A wooden donation board beneath a corrugated shelter. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A visitor stands on the path leading to the temple’s tall central tower. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A visitor stands on the path leading to the temple’s tall central tower. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the temple’s stepped tower and carved exterior. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the temple’s stepped tower and carved exterior. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pilgrims follow the flag-lined path toward the temple. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Pilgrims follow the flag-lined path toward the temple. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Sarnath information plaque recounts the site’s Buddhist significance. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Sarnath information plaque recounts the site’s Buddhist significance. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language information plaque beside the archaeological grounds. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language information plaque beside the archaeological grounds. — Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A warm curry served in a metal dish during a meal stop. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A warm curry served in a metal dish during a meal stop. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Walking beside moored boats on the uneven riverbank. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Walking beside moored boats on the uneven riverbank. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group makes its way toward the boats at the water’s edge. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Our group makes its way toward the boats at the water’s edge. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A narrow view up the ghat steps between tall buildings. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A narrow view up the ghat steps between tall buildings. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A temple spire illuminated in vivid pink against the night sky. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A temple spire illuminated in vivid pink against the night sky. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A sizzling dish arrives at the table during a meal stop. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A sizzling dish arrives at the table during a meal stop. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Fresh vegetables and a hot dish served on a wooden platter. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Fresh vegetables and a hot dish served on a wooden platter. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A sauce-covered dish presented on a sizzling serving plate. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A sauce-covered dish presented on a sizzling serving plate. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Vegetables and shoppers fill a lively roadside market. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Vegetables and shoppers fill a lively roadside market. — Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Kushinagar District · Uttar Pradesh · India · 16 photographs

Kushinagar

Kushinagar commemorates the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana. The reclining Buddha at the Nirvana Temple, ancient stupas, and quiet moments along our pilgrimage.

The rounded brick mound of Ramabhar Stupa amid lawns and palms. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The rounded brick mound of Ramabhar Stupa amid lawns and palms. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A meal break beneath a bright parasol in a leafy courtyard. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A meal break beneath a bright parasol in a leafy courtyard. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An orange sun hangs low above a busy road. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An orange sun hangs low above a busy road. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ancient brick foundations with the Nirvana Temple beyond. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ancient brick foundations with the Nirvana Temple beyond. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The path leading toward the pale façade of the Nirvana Temple. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The path leading toward the pale façade of the Nirvana Temple. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Stupa and Nirvana Temple plaque explains the site’s history. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The Stupa and Nirvana Temple plaque explains the site’s history. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The reclining Buddha draped in yellow cloth inside the Nirvana Temple. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The reclining Buddha draped in yellow cloth inside the Nirvana Temple. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the reclining Buddha’s face and yellow robe. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A closer view of the reclining Buddha’s face and yellow robe. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The rounded forms of the Nirvana Temple in warm light. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
The rounded forms of the Nirvana Temple in warm light. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language plaque displayed during the temple visit. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language plaque displayed during the temple visit. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An information plaque beside the ancient brick stupa. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
An information plaque beside the ancient brick stupa. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sharing a colourful spread of dishes around the table. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sharing a colourful spread of dishes around the table. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language information board beside the historic brick remains. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A Chinese-language information board beside the historic brick remains. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Flowers and offerings placed against the brickwork of Ramabhar Stupa. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Flowers and offerings placed against the brickwork of Ramabhar Stupa. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Small green plants grow between the weathered ancient bricks. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Small green plants grow between the weathered ancient bricks. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A close view of the stupa’s sloping brickwork and patches of greenery. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A close view of the stupa’s sloping brickwork and patches of greenery. — Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.