Ancient Buddhist route: Pataliputra to Nepal

Abstract

Even though Ancient Bihar is not the birthplace of Buddha, it is closely associated with the rise and development of Buddhism. It was the training ground of Gautama Buddha after he became a wondering ascetic, and it was here in Bodh Gaya that he attained supreme spiritual knowledge. His missionary activity was largely carried in Bihar. Rajgriha, and Vaisali were his favorite places of residence or monsoon resorts. It was in Bihar again that first three great council of Buddhist were held at Rajgriha, Vaishali and Patliputra respectively which fixed the Buddhist canon and gave a definite shape to that religion. It was an attempt to study the ancient Buddhist route from Pataliputra to Nepal. Numerous Missionary and Monumental work were done to propagate dharma.

The pillar at Rummindei is of unique interest since it has revealed to the modern world the spot hallowed by the birth of the Buddha. Pillar at different places like Rampurva, Lauriya Nandangarh (Ashokan Pillar and Stupa) and Lauriya Areraj and different Stupa possibly marked the course of the ancient Buddhist route.