The Chinese pilgrim, Faxian, came to India for the following reasons:

Curiosity about Buddhism:
- Faxian was a devoted Buddhist monk who had a deep curiosity about Buddhism. He wanted to learn more about the religion and its teachings directly from the source.
- India was considered the birthplace of Buddhism, and it housed many renowned monasteries, temples, and scholars who were well-versed in Buddhist philosophy and scriptures.
- Faxian wanted to visit these places of religious significance and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism.

Collection of Buddhist scriptures:
- During his time, the Buddhist scriptures were not widely available in China. Faxian aimed to acquire as many Buddhist texts as possible to bring back to his homeland.
- India was known to have an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures, which were written in Sanskrit. Faxian wished to obtain these original texts and translate them into Chinese.

Exploration and pilgrimage:
- Faxian was an adventurous monk who wanted to explore different regions and undertake a pilgrimage to sacred sites associated with Buddhism.
- He desired to visit places like Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, and Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon. These sites held immense spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide.
- By visiting these places, Faxian sought to deepen his own spiritual practice and pay homage to the Buddha and his teachings.

Seeking guidance from Indian scholars:
- Indian scholars were highly revered for their knowledge and understanding of Buddhism. Faxian wanted to meet and learn from these scholars to enhance his own spiritual journey.
- He aimed to engage in intellectual discussions and debates with these scholars, seeking their guidance and insights into the profound teachings of Buddhism.

Documenting his travels:
- Faxian was not only a pilgrim but also a meticulous record-keeper. He wanted to document his travels, the places he visited, and the experiences he had.
- This documentation would serve as a valuable resource for future generations, providing them with detailed accounts of the Buddhist sites, practices, and teachings in India.

Conclusion:
Faxian's journey to India was primarily driven by his curiosity about Buddhism, his desire to collect Buddhist scriptures, his thirst for exploration and pilgrimage, his quest for knowledge from Indian scholars, and his dedication to documenting his travels. His pilgrimage to India played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Buddhism and the preservation of its teachings.