From the ancient times, India has been the focal point of the world. Few of world's most imperative religions has begun from this land. Buddhism was at one time the overwhelming religion and the several structures of Buddha monasteries and stupas were like an extraordinary example from the past. Around 8th century AD, with the approach of Hinduism, the work of wonderful architectural marvels was noticed through the response of several Hindu rulers like Pallavas and Cholas. Similarly, Rajputs was famous due to their magnificent strength and the construction of different hill forts in Rajasthan for the security purposes.

During the period of Muslim rulers in the 11th century, the land of India was surprisingly got a blend of Persian and Afghan architecture within the exciting style. And from the time Indians being able to add finest Islamic architectures in their history. One can also cover various Churches Which were constructed in European style and have the influence of Dutch, Britishers, French and Portuguese artwork. With this huge variety, you can also discover India on the basis of architectural wonders-

Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

On the religious theme, such architectural brilliance was a major construction of 2nd century. With a total count of 30 in number, these Ajanta & Ellora caves were basically centered around Buddha and have several paintings crafted on its ground from the past time. Ellora caves are popular due to their presentation in a form of rock cutting and which depicts the different beliefs related to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Their ornamentation and content gives the indication on the elaborate workmanship from the past. As a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these exotic caves present the architectural brilliance of India from the past times.

Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi, a Group of Monuments are declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi, the Ruins of Vijayanagara Empire surely grasp your attention toward the magnificent effort of Indian architecture. The complex of Vitthala temple with 56 musical pillars at Hampi, has an extraordinary construction feature within its built.

When you struck a single pillar, every pillar emits an interesting musical tone. Other pilgrimage attraction of Hampi is Virupaksha temple in the ancient city of Vijayanagara which has three towers risen up to 160 ft.

Iron Pillar of Delhi, Delhi

Rust proof Iron Pillar was a major construction of 4th century A.D with a Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script. It seems this wonderful construction is like a taunt at the experimental progression of current scientific world. Its engraving bears that it was constructed in the honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu.

In spite of the fact that a great deal of research has gone into discovering how this iron pillar has withstood quality which resist it from corrosion for almost 1600 years. Nobody has possessed the capacity to think of a delightful clarification to this marvel. Doubtlessly, Iron Pillar of Delhi was a major achievement in the work history of Indian iron-smiths.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The group of temples at Khajuraho is a major center of attraction for tourists. It is really a unique group of architecture. This significant group of temples along with its erotic carvings is in the dedication of divine beings like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and several Gods.

Out of 85 there is only 22 have survived till the date. With a centre of major attraction, this artwork is basically committed towards the physical affection, love and pleasure. From the outside, the temples are luxuriously enhanced with sculptural embellishments which win all inclusive deference for their energetic, delicate and youthful magnificence.

Nalanda Ruins, Nalanda, Bihar

Nalanda was an antiquated center of higher learning in India. This first learning institute of India is situated in Bihar, and was majorly influenced by Buddhist teachings.

The immense library of Nalanda University was vast to the point that it is accounted for to have blazed for three months after the intruders set flame to it, with a huge damage and destruction to the religious community and monks.

Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh

Sanchi is renowned ideal of Buddhist culture. In around 3rd century BCE, this one of the oldest freestanding stone structure in India was constructed during the ruling era of Emperor Ashoka. The place safely preserves the relics of holy Buddhist monks.

With the great dimensions of 120 ft across and 54 ft high, sanctum is enclosed by the Pradakshina Path with its four sided gates which present themes related to Buddha's life. This landmark is the motivation for several Hindu and Buddhist constructions that were inherent in the next hundreds of years.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

As a part of seven wonders, discovery of India is incomplete without the visit of Taj Mahal. With its amazing history related to a Love symbol, it is a world famous architecture which requires around 22 years in its entire construction. It is a great blend of Hindu and Indo-Islamic architecture which was constructed in 17th century as a present of Royal empress Mumtaz Mahal from his husband- a great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

Beautiful Taj gives a view of amazing scenery with its huge marble terrace, a dome flanked by four minarets and the cenotaph of queen inside the dome.

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Discover India on the Basis of Architectural Wonders

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Sometimes, simple travel becomes a memorable journey. It is a great chance for a traveler to get himself. Apart from any adventure or amusement, some specific visits has relation to your thoughts and the things which can nourish your mind & soul. It is your own time when you can explore the colors of nature, discover the hidden facts and even can get the answers of your own questions.

There are few places in the world which have the ability to offer strength to your inner. Similarly, Buddhist Circuit is a journey, which motivates to know about the secrets of life and bring closer to the teachings of humanity and inner enlightenment. Here, we cover the major Buddhist sites of India which helps to get a spiritual delight for your soul. So, get ready to become a part of this journey with us-

Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

If you want to really explore the Buddhist culture on Indian land, then Leh is a place which preserves most distinct examples of Buddha imprints in a form of richest, oldest and largest monasteries. Additional, Leh is a scenic land which offers you a feel of moon like surface.

So, it is a perfect way to learn the teachings and get help to nourish your soul. On this tranquil land, you can visit Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Phyang Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery and many others. In the month of June and July, Hemis Festival is also a way to get spellbound feel.

Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamsala–Mcleodganj is a renowned place to gain a wonderful spiritual experience. Under the perfect backdrop of immense natural beauty, you can get a blessed feeling with meditation and chant sessions, in popular Buddhist centers like Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto Monastery, Nechung Monastery and many others.

With the grand Bhuddism colors, Dharamsala is also famed as a Dalai Lama's official residence. Get ready to collect a spiritual treasure on this calm and peaceful land.

Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Enjoy a beauty of wonderful cultural experience at the popular spiritual site of Buddhism. During this fascinating journey, you can collect several colors for your life.

You can silently spend your time in meditation caves and gain life winning experience. Beautiful monasteries of Spiti are also popular due to their artwork, scriptures and statues.

Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

Mindrolling Monastery is an extravagant Buddhist center. This holy school of Tibetan religion helps you to gain knowledge and history of Buddhism. This marvelous holy place is one of the six major monasteries of Nyingma School of Buddhism.

At this prominent Buddhist Indian institute, you can also practice Buddhism study. You can also witness a tall sacred marvel in a form of Great Stupa along with the numerous collection of murals and relics.

Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

With a great historical significance, Sarnath is a place from where Lord Buddha begins his sermons and preaching. Even place has major importance due to its consideration among one of the four sacred Buddhist places in India.

After enlightenment, Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at that place. So, it is a popular site on world map which attracts worldwide tourists.

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

After Sarnath, Kushinagar has similar importance due to Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha at the age of 81. Here, you can witness a Ramabhar Stupa. It is a place where Lord Buddha was cremated. Even this site has several related things to Buddhism. It is a place where Siddhartha said his last lesson.

You can also visit at Mahaparinirvana temple to view Buddha statue in a reclining posture. Kushinagar as one of the most important Buddhist places also has several stupas, shrines, temples and a museum.

Vaishali, Bihar

Vaishali, a city of Bihar has relation with Buddha, with his 5th year of enlightenment. Due to cultural, religious and historical importance, the place has several relic shrines and stupas.

Similarly, the place holds a major importance due to several Pillars of Ashoka, as an example of fine artwork.

Bodh Gaya, Bihar

In Buddhism, Bodh Gaya was the place where Prince Siddhartha achieved enlightenment underneath a Bodhi tree and got to be Buddha 2600 years earlier. It is the most consecrated spot around the local area which prospers inside the Mahabodhi temple complex, in the midst of a wonderful green setting, its roots inserted in the same soil as its commended progenitor.

As far as blessedness, this minor temple town is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. There are three Buddh monasteries and various associations offering teachings on Buddhism. Obviously, it draws in a huge number of visitors from around the globe consistently, who seek study, prayer and meditation. Here, you can feel a vibe which has a blend of ascetic serenity and small-town commotion.

Rajgir, (Nalanda) Bihar

Rajgir is a delightful city in Nalanda District, in Bihar attracts the consideration of travelers from everywhere throughout the globe. This site is concealed by rough hillocks and is set in a valley. Also, the peaceful mood of this site will invigorate your mind and soul. It is the destination where Siddhartha is accepted to have given numerous sermons and Lord Mahavir had lived here for quite a while.

It has an engaging history to uncover several secrets. As per the legends, Lord Buddha commonly visited in the peaceful settings of Jivankamaravana Monastery. You can also visit at Vultures Peak- a famous meditating site for Buddhist monks.

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

The popular Tawang Monastery is locally known as Gaden Namgyal Lhatse. It was established by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in the year 1680-81. On the top of the hill, at an altitude of around 10,000 feet, the place gives a look of celestial paradise. It provides a commanding look to entire Tawang-chu valley with its awe-inspiring perspectives.

With the India's largest monasteries, it has a housing capacity of more than 700 monks. This grand, rich and colorful center is a prime place to learn the lessons of spirituality. You can also view the collection of significant scriptures at monastery’s library.

Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim

Rumtek Monastery or the Dharma Chakra Center is one of the popular monasteries in Sikkim. At an altitude of 1550 m, it is one of the significant centers of Kagyu lineage. Even, it is also considerate as imitation of the Kagyu main centre in Tibet. Initially, after the work of 9th Karmapa, it was reconstructed by 16th Karmapa.

This imperative spiritual center also includes shrine, monastery, stupas, nun's hostel and a retreat center in its complex. This largest monastery of Sikkim offers you a rich blend of color and culture within its surroundings. You can attend daily ritual services and chanting during your visit at Rumtek Monastery.

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Buddhist Circuit- A Way to Nourish Yourself with a Spiritual Retreat

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India has several secrets behind its rapid growth. Indians represent their strength with the help of their incomparable culture, values and beliefs. Without any rigidity, every Indian has proudly enjoyed his survival and touch the flourishing colors of success. No doubt, it is a successful blend of various cultures and traditions with the grace of acceptance. Every Indian is also able to take a sharp turn for his growth with the demand of time without missing their basic roots. So, here we discuss about such worldwide popular basic facts of culture, customs and traditions which attracts others to visit India.

Traditional Values in Indian Culture (Our Parampara )

On the vast canvas, you can find a perfect picture of culture and values in a form of different hues and vibrancy. From the past several centuries, the country follows the same path of unity, support and tolerance. A visitor can find a beautiful balance between the uniqueness and diversity on this land. You can self feel a value of dedication in the citizens of this country.

Greetings or way of welcome (Atithi Devo Bhava)

• The land of India has great traditional values where guest has equally treated with the same importance and value as that of God. With this supreme value, you can attach to the deep roots of this culture.

• You'll first get the wonderful expression of greeting during your meet which varies from religion to religion. Like, in Hindu families Touching the feet or 'Namaste- the together joining of both hands' are the common ways of greeting in respect of elders. Similarly, Muslims use “Adab” by using their right hand.

• It will create a magical charm, especially when Atithi's get a warm welcome with flower garlands. In Hindu religion, it will equal to offering a prayer to God.

Worshipping- A moral strength

• In India 'New Morning or Suprabhat' means worship of nature, where the day starts by offering the water to Sun (Surya Namaskar). Similarly, water to Tulsi and other religious plants, chanting of mantras and relevant sources of prayers.

• Believe in God (fast- vrat), respect of women (Kanya Pujan), care of animals (fresh meal to cow & last to dog) and celebration of festivals with a special dedication to God & Goddess are the real means of life in India.

• Without any difference in colour and creed, the several religions start their new morning and teaches such rich values to their new generations. Moral value is also a unique strength of this place.

Cultural Values in Indian Culture (Our Sanskriti )

Joint Families:

The concept of Joint Family is very interesting where your parents, grandparents and paternal uncle and aunt all live together. It is a way to collectively share your sorrows and happiness by becoming a support for each other. With a complete care and growth, you can know about the value and respect of the relations.

Indian Marriages:

In Indian marriages, the best part is rituals which differ from community to community. People have basic thought that marriage is a way to unite two families. You will enjoy a complete entertaining day with lots of music and dance along with the several ceremonies related to wedding. It is an auspicious occasion where every relation has their unique value. With the sense of joy and happiness, the bride's family has special emotions regarding the day.

Traditional Indian Attire:

With the concept of India attire, a beautiful picture of traditional saree comes first in mind. This ethnic wear pleasantly describes the beauty of Indian women. This attire gives a graceful and complete look. Saree is a special outfit, which is used in daily routine as well as on special occasions. And the other popular Indian attire is Salwar Kameez, which provides a complete look with duppatta. Similarly, traditional wear for men is Kurta Pajama, Dhoti and on special occasions Sherwani and formal wears.

Without Jewellery, the traditional dress-up of Indian men and women is incomplete. Even the wearing of jewellery has some scientific logic behind it. Such metal ornaments are highly energized and gives positive energy to the user. It is the basic reason why some temples men have to enter shirtless and married women have to properly ready with this jewellery part. There are several accessories for women, which helps to enhance their beauty. In most of Indian religions, Mangalsutra, Sindoor, Mehndi (henna), nose and toe rings are the part of married women complete attire.

The other most important part is Bindi or Tilak (chandan, saffron, sandlepaste or kumkum) which we generally view in Hindu religion. This coloured mark between the eyebrows has spiritual importance. As, it is also a part of married women dress-up but in case of men and yogis, Tilak is used to improve mental concentration. On the several festivals, Pujas and ceremonies of Hindus, it is also applied to God, Goddess, family members and guests.

COVER A JOURNEY OF JOY & CELEBRATION WITHIN FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF INDIA

Our Customs (Rivaj )- Every custom is logical & Science Based

Why we go to temples?

The architecture of the temples is well-defined along the magnetic wave line of earth. So, it is an extreme source to collect positive energy. Similarly, main idol in Garbhagriha vibrates positive energy in surroundings due to a copper plate buried under it. So, it is healthier and relaxed to go the temple and save positive energy on a regular basis. Similarly, take off the footwear before entering to temples, kitchen area or any worship place is like a practice to maintain a clean and sanctify environment.

Why we worship Tulsi plant?

According to basic Hindu religion, home is incomplete without a Tulsi plant (Basil) in the courtyard of the house. Tulsi or Tulasi is the single plant or herb on the earth, which has self-purifying or immense healing properties. Your worship, puja or any spiritual exercise is incomplete without the use of Tulsi leaf.

Lighting of lamp?

Lighting of lamp is a great visual aspect along a power to fill the area with a new positive energy. In these few quiet and pleasant minutes, you can get the ability to hear your soul voice. It is a way to develop new qualities in yourself by invoking your own. So, lighting of lamp has major importance whether it is social event, festival, any ritual or a part of daily prayer.

Ringing of bells?

According to Indian Sanskriti, Ghantaa or bells ringing has major significance. In Hindu temples, the bell has great importance while bathing the Lord or at the time of offering food and even devotees enter the temple after ringing this ghanta. This metal bell (copper, gold, silver or brass) has the power to produce positive vibrations and helps to quickly drive away the evil forces. The long-lasting sound of the bell has the tendency to offer a healing touch to your body chakras along a quick focus on your mind during the time of Darshan.

Why we make clockwise ‘Pradakshina’ of the Main Idol’s placed in temples?

Are you curious to know about the clockwise walk (Pradakshina) around the deity? Then this a ritual or a symbol of respect to God or Goddess placed in temples. Scientifically, Pradakshina is a way to absorb positive radiations through beam magnetic waves. The three-sided covered Sanctum Sanctorum is highly effective to radiate this positive energy which your body can absorb on a regular visit of the temple.

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