Where is Bodhgaya?
Bodhgaya is located at a distance of 7 miles south of Gaya in the state of
Bihar. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres of the Indian
subcontinent.
How will you gain access?
Patna Airport (105 km) is the closest airport. Newly operated Gaya
International Airport has direct flights connecting the place to Bankok and
Kolkata. Gaya, 16 km from Bodhgaya, is the nearest railway station. Buses
are available to Bodhgaya from Gaya, Patna and a few other places of Bihar.
What does it signify?
Bodhgaya attracts devotees and visitors in huge number from all across the
globe. It is the very place where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment. Here
Buddha came to realize the unknown and the unseen, finally attaining Gyan
(Enlightenment). The place is a most sacred pilgrimage centre in the
country. Two and a half centuries after the enlightenment, the great
Buddhist emperor Ashoka visited the place and erected the Mahabodhi Temple.
According to the tradition, King Ashoka got a diamond-throne shrine built at
the spot canopied by four pillars over a stone that represents the Seat of
Enlightenment.
What beckons devotees?
» The Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi Tree is very significant religiously as Buddha meditated for
seven days under the tree without moving from his seat. The present Peepal
tree is believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which Buddha
attained enlightenment. Seeds brought from the ancient Bodhgaya tree have
given rise to a number of sacred trees both in India and outside.
» The Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi temple is a fine example of architectural brilliance
but very little is known about it. It showcases a beautiful collection of
the relics of Buddha. The basement of the temple is in the shape of a
square, measuring 15 metres both in length and breadth. And the temple rises
up to a height of 52 metres above the square-shaped platform. There are four
beautiful towers at the four corners. Myriad of tourists and devotees from
all around pour into the place to pay homage to this sacred sight.
» The Vajrasana
The Vajrasana represents the site where Lord Buddha performed his penance.
This spot is looked upon as the centre of the universe. There are seven
shrines that are dedicated to the spots where he spent seven weeks. These
shrines have been built by pious Buddhists from numerous countries.
» The Dharma Chakra
There have been built here several Tibetan, Japanese and Burmese
monasteries. The Dharma Chakra or the 'Wheel of Law' is housed by the
Tibetan monastery. The Chakra has its own religious significance to the
devotees.
» The Jewel Walk
The Jewel Walk is represented by a platform decorated with eighteen
carved lotuses. It is the site where Lord Buddha walked up and down during
the second week after he gained enlightenment.
What is the best time?
The best time to visit is between October and March.
