World Bank has assured Bihar of the Financial Support for development of Buddhist Heritage Sites in the State. International Finance Corporation, a wing of World Bank has assured to sponsor the development of Buddha Path Way in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The Detailed Project Report has been prepared and an agreement in this regard is likely to be inked in coming months.
Buddha Path Way would connect destinations like Bodh Gaya, Vaishali,Rajgir, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. The total expenditure of development of Buddha Pathway is likely to be Rs 5 Crores which would be jointly born by Bihar Government, UP Government, Central Government and World Bank.
Buddha Pathway will connect various sites where the Buddha and the saints traveled during his life after his transformation. Visitors can travel through the Pathway to savor the splendid beauty and great appeal of Buddhism.
The nodes of Buddha Pathway and their Significance are mentioned below.
Bodhgaya:Â It was in Bodhgaya in that Prince Siddhartha found Enlightenment (nirvana) under the bodhi tree after meditating for 49 days.
Sarnath: Â Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath after achieving enlightenment, about 10 km from the ancient holy city of Varanasi.
Kushinagar:  At Kushinagar close to Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh  en route to Kapilavastu, Lord Buddha fell ill and left this world in 543 BC.
Vaishali:Â Here Lord Buddha preached his last sermon before his death.
Shravasti:  About 150 km from the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, Shravasti was Buddha’s favourite rainy season retreat where he Buddha performed his first miracle.