In today's world, pilgrimage tourism or spiritual tourism is gaining popularity. Many countries promote their sites as spiritual, religious, and pilgrimage destinations. With the availability of the internet now, tourists can identify the details of the pilgrimage tourist places with ease. The chapter aims to identify the indicators of pilgrimage tourists experience during their visit to Buddhist circuit in India. The data were collected from TripAdvisor.com, a very popular review website in the tourism and hospitality industry. Qualitative analysis using data mining technique through R software was performed on 445 collected reviews written by tourists after experiencing their spiritual tour at Buddhist circuit. Bigram analysis was applied on the data to identify the indicators to enhance tourist experience. The novel dataset was used for the study and findings contribute to the pilgrimage tourism literature. Further study can be done using big data in varied settings.
TopIntroduction
Pilgrimage tourism holds a special place in the hearts and minds of countless individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of their faith. India, a land renowned for its rich religious heritage and diversity, has long been a beacon for spiritual seekers from around the world (Vijayanand, 2012, 2015). Among its many sacred sites, the Buddhist Circuit stands out as a unique and transformative destination, offering a profound pilgrimage experience that unravels the essence of Buddhism and its historical significance (Kim, Kim, & King, 2020). The Buddhist Circuit in India encompasses several significant locations associated with the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It spans across the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, offering pilgrims a remarkable opportunity to retrace the footsteps of the enlightened one. This circuit is a pilgrimage of immense significance, attracting millions of devotees, scholars, and tourists annually, who seek to explore the teachings of Buddha while immersing themselves in the spiritual aura of these hallowed sites (Varma, 2009).
One of the key highlights of the Buddhist Circuit is Bodh Gaya, the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Located in Bihar, Bodh Gaya is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree, becoming Gautama Buddha. The magnificent Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the spiritual awakening that occurred here over 2,500 years ago. Pilgrims are drawn to this site to meditate, offer prayers, and participate in religious ceremonies, fostering a deep connection with the profound wisdom of Buddha. Another notable destination within the Buddhist Circuit is Sarnath, situated near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Sarnath holds immense historical and religious significance as it is the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or “The Wheel of Dharma.” The Dhamek Stupa, an imposing structure marking the spot where Buddha gave his sermon, attracts pilgrims who seek to absorb the teachings of the Middle Path and gain insight into the Four Noble Truths. The Archaeological Museum in Sarnath is also a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and sculptures, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the Buddhist era. The Buddhist Circuit also encompasses other sacred sites like Kushinagar, where Buddha attained Parinirvana, and Shravasti, where he performed miracles and gave significant discourses. These destinations offer an immersive experience, allowing pilgrims to reflect upon the impermanence of life and gain a deeper understanding of the cycle of birth and death as taught by Buddha.