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BODHGAYA

Bodhgaya A vital Buddhist center, Bodhgaya, is the most sacred place for Buddhists. Some 2500 years ago, Prince Siddhartha got enlightened here and became Buddha (The enlightened one). The prince wandered for 6 years in search of peace. Finally he achieved the desired peace of mind here, beneath the holy Bodhi tree and thus was born Buddhism.

Nearly 250 years after the enlightenment, King Ashoka visited the place and founded the Mahabodhi Temple. A monastery was also founded by Ashoka which had Vajrasana, the seat of enlightenment. The 52 m high temple has beautiful design. The temp le is made on a square platform, with four pillars around the corners of the platform. The 1700 years old image of Buddha inside the temple is in the Bhumisparsha Mudra (Touching the ground). Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to pay homage to Lord Buddha.

A small and quite town, Bodhgaya lies 16 Km from the holy city of Gaya. Gaya is a famous Hindu Pilgrimage, where people go to offer oblations for the salvation of their dead forefathers.

Major Tourist Attractions in Bodhgaya

The Bodhi Tree

The Bodhi Tree is the famous tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. He meditated under the tree continuously for next one week. King Ashoka, after conversion to Buddhism, surrounded the tree with 3m high stone wall. The present Bodhi Tree is most probably the fifth descendant of the original tree, as the original tree got destroyed. But the followers view the tree as the actual Buddha.

Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple stands east to the Bodhi Tree. This huge temple is said to be constructed by King Ashoka. Shaped like a pyramid, it rises to 170 ft. The statue of Lord Buddha in the temple is made of black stone. The stupas in the temple were constructed during past 2500 years.

Vajrasana

The Vajrasana is a stone platform, under the Bodhi tree, on which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Vajrasana means the seat of stability.

Gaya

Situated 16 Km from Bodhgaya, this holy city is a place where Hindus offer oblation for salvation of their forefathers. The temple of Vishnupad on the bank of river Falgu attracts a very large number of pilgrims.

Barabar Cave

The Barabar and Nagarjuni Hills are situated about 41 km. from Bodhgaya. There are total seven rock-cut caves here, of which four are in the Barabar hills. Barabar Caves carvings bear the details about Buddha's life.

Bodhgaya Information
Location: Bodhgaya is situated 16 Km from Gaya and 105 km from Patna, Bihar.

Tourist Attractions: The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple, Vajrasana, Ancient Railings, Chankaramana, Animeshlochana, Ratnagar, Lotus Tank, Gaya, Barabar Cave, The Karan Chaupa cave, Tibetan Monastery, Myanmar Monastery, Chinese Monastery.

Best Buys : Tilkuta (a sweet), souvenirs made of stone.

Best Activities: Learn yoga & meditation.

Best Hangouts : The Monasteries.

Festivals: The Buddha-Jayanti is celebrated every year in April as this date marks the birth of Lord Buddha.

Nearest Tourist Destinations: Vaishali, Nalanda, Gaya, Patna.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Bodhgaya is during winter October-March. December and January is the time when the place is filled with tourists from all around the world.

Getting There Air : The nearest airport is the Patna airport, 105 Km from Bodhgaya.

Rail : The nearest Railway station is Gaya at 16 Km. Gaya is a major railhead and is connected to the rest of India.

Road: Bodhgaya is connected by road to Gaya(16 Km) and Patna (105 Km).

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