Buddhism has become the fourth most popular religion in the world, with more than 500-million followers world-wide. Many however, tend to overlook the birthplace of Buddhism.
Background
During the early days of his quest for enlightenment, the Buddha believed that the path towards it involved extreme asceticism. At one point he starved himself to the point of death in hopes of overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment, it was after this that he accepted a bowl of milk and rice from a village girl.
The Middle Path
It was due to this occurrence where the Buddha realised the path towards enlightenment involves a balance of self-indulgence and asceticism which became the foundation of the Middle Path and eventually the Noble Eightfold Path.
Significance of the Caves
During his time of self-mortification the Buddha is believed to have meditated within these caves for around six years. When he was on his way to Bodhgaya after this time is when he achieved complete enlightenment. In commemoration of this there’s a golden statue of a very emaciated Buddha within the cave.
Getting There
The caves are located just 12km away from Bodhgaya, so if you’re staying at any modern Bodhgaya hotel with examples such as Oaks Bodhgaya, then finding your way to the caves would be quite simple.
The Dungeshwari Caves might be an obscure attraction, but one can easily say that it is the birthplace of Buddhism as we know it.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
