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India is the land of birth of Buddhism. Buddhism
was born and thrived in India for 1,700 years. Between the 5th century BC and
12th century AD the whole of India was rich with the culture of Buddhist life
that spread to other parts of the world. There are many places associated
directly or indirectly with the life and time of Buddha or Buddhism. Some places
have importance because of their direct association with Lord Buddha while some
places acquired importance later by becoming prominent Buddhist centers.
The four famous places of Buddhist Pilgrimage
are Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar which are associated with the
life and Teachings of the Lord Buddha. Lumbini, in what is now Nepal, is the
birthplace of Gautama Buddha. The others are in India. Bodh Gaya was the place,
under the pipal or Bo tree, where the Buddha was enlightened after
practicingmeditation for several years. Sarnath was the site of his first
teaching and Kushinagar was the place of his death or final
Nirvana .
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