Bodh Gaya in Bihar is the most sacred site in Buddhism. It is where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago. Pilgrims and travellers from around the world visit it every year. Here is a guide.
The story
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha left his royal life in search of the truth about suffering. After years of practice, he meditated under a pipal tree on the banks of the Niranjana river at Bodh Gaya and attained enlightenment. The tree came to be known as the Bodhi tree.
Mahabodhi Temple
- Emperor Ashoka built the first shrine at the site in the 3rd century BCE.
- The present temple dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries CE, during the late Gupta period, and is among the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick still standing in India.
- Its tall pyramidal tower rises above the town.
- The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
The Bodhi tree
The present Bodhi tree is believed to be a descendant of the original tree. By tradition, a sapling of the original tree was taken to Sri Lanka by Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitra, and descendants of that tree were later brought back to Bodh Gaya. Under the tree is the Vajrasana, the diamond throne, marking the spot where the Buddha meditated.
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Other sacred spots in the complex
- Animeshlochana Chaitya, where the Buddha is said to have gazed at the Bodhi tree.
- Ratnachankrama, the jewelled walk, where he walked in meditation.
- The lotus pond.
Management
The temple is managed by the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949.
Monasteries and other sites
Many Buddhist countries have built monasteries in Bodh Gaya in their own architectural styles, including Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The 80 foot Great Buddha Statue is another landmark.
Buddhist circuit
Bodh Gaya is part of the Buddhist circuit with Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon, Kushinagar, where he attained Mahaparinirvana, Rajgir and Nalanda.
How to reach
- Gaya airport is near Bodh Gaya and has international flights during the pilgrim season.
- Gaya Junction railway station is about 15 km away.
Visitor tips
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple.
- Keep silence near meditation areas.
- Check rules on phones and cameras at the entrance.
- October to March is the best time to visit, and the pilgrim season brings large crowds.
Bottom line
Bodh Gaya is a place of deep peace and history. The Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi tree draw people of all faiths to the spot where the Buddha found enlightenment.
Source / स्रोत: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bihar Tourism, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
