It is an auspicious occasion marked by Buddhists in Malaysia and beyond, so how about a virtual pilgrimage to eight of the most sacred sites of Buddhism.
These range from historical landmarks to serene retreats, each holding great spiritual significance to Buddhists.
1. Bodh Gaya (India)
The holiest of holies for Buddhists, Bodh Gaya marks the very spot where Prince Siddhartha achieved enlightenment and became the Buddha.
For this reason alone, the site draws devotees from around the world, with some estimates suggesting over 10,000 daily visitors.
In Bodh Gaya stands the Mahabodhi Temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which is an architectural sight to behold.
The temple houses a magnificent gilded statue of the meditating Buddha, with his eyes turned towards the sacred Bodhi Tree.
This tree is descended from the same tree under which the Buddha achieved enlightenment and even now, it still provides the shade and serenity the Enlightened One enjoyed a millennia ago.
2. Lumbini (Nepal)
Located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, making it an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, Lumbini is home to the Maya Devi Temple, a holy place named after the Buddha’s mother.
The temple is surrounded by a tranquil garden, making it a perfect place to contemplate and meditate on one’s life choices.
Standing in Lumbini is an ancient stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka, a powerful warlord who renounced violence after embracing Buddhism.
The pillar itself is said to mark the exact birthplace of the Buddha and it is mentioned in the writings of several ancient Chinese pilgrims.
3. Kandy (Sri Lanka)
A Sri Lankan city of culture and history, Kandy is home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, believed to be the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha himself.
There is a belief that whoever held the tooth relic was granted the divine right to rule the land, resulting in a war to gain possession of the relic.
Today, the relic is safely kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, for tourists and pilgrims to visit.
Every year, a grand ritual called the Esala Perahera is held to parade the relic through the city streets.
4. Boudhanath Stupa (Nepal)
Situated in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
A Unesco World Heritage Site, this place draws pilgrims primarily from the Tibetan Buddhist school.
This stupa is recognisable due to its striking white dome, adorned with watchful eyes which represent the Buddha’s wisdom and compassion.
Visiting the stupa, one can hear the strains of prayers, chants and the spinning of prayer wheels.
Visitors curious about the story of Buddhism and its teachings will likely find solace in the surrounding monasteries and shops.
5. Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar)
The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, is believed to house strands of the precious hairs of the Buddha himself.
Long a symbol of Myanmar’s Buddhist heritage, the pagoda is covered in over 8,000 gold plates and has many precious stones encrusted into its breathtaking structure.
The beauty of the pagoda is most obvious at sunset, when its golden surface reflects a warm glow, making the temple look almost ethereal.
With civil war tearing Myanmar apart, however, one hopes that the peace and compassion taught by the Buddha may one day return to this war-torn neighbour of Malaysia’s.
6. Wat Phra Kaew (Thailand)
Located within the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is home to the titular statue.
An iconic symbol for Thai Buddhism, the Emerald Buddha is a surprisingly small statue, likely made from jade or jasper rather than emerald.
The statue is believed to have protective powers and is revered as such, being respectfully garbed in robes depending on the season.
Also worth admiring is the temple itself, with its intricate architecture, colourful mosaic and exquisite craftsmanship.
7. Mount Koya (Japan)
Nestled among the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan or Mount Koya is the spiritual centre of Shingon Buddhism.
Settled by the monk Kukai in 819AD, the mountain houses many temples, including the famous Okunoin Cemetery.
This is Kukai’s final resting place and it is surrounded by towering cedar trees, creating a serene meditation spot.
Mount Koya is the site of pilgrimages for people seeking to meditate, understand the Japanese Buddhist faith and experience the traditional monastic lifestyle themselves.
8. Kek Lok Si (Malaysia)
Located in Penang, Kek Lok Si stands as one of Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples.
Its architectural beauty harmoniously combines Chinese, Thai, and Burmese influences, reflecting the cultural diversity of Buddha’s followers.
With the striking seven-tiered Pagoda of Rama VI and the awe-inspiring 36.57m Goddess of Mercy statue, Kek Lok Si is a tourism draw for a reason.
The serene gardens and tranquil atmosphere offer a space for contemplation and reflection, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s rich Buddhist heritage.