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Tourist attractions in Bodh Gaya |
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Mahabodhi Temple and other monasteries are the major attractions in Bodhgaya. |
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Places associated with the life and times of Lord Buddha are located inside the Mahabodhi complex including the Bodhi Tree and a pond where according to legends, Lord Buddha mediated for few days.
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Mahabodhi Temple
The main tourist attraction in Bodhgaya is the Mahabodhi temple, now declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Original Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment had died, but the present tree is a descendant of the original tree, which was obtained from Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, where it was taken by Sanghamitra, King Ashoka's daughter in 3rd century BC.
The red sandstone slab under this tree is said to be the throne on which Buddha sat. The Mahabodhi temple stands on the 3rd-century-BC shrine, erected by Ashoka. It is intricately carved and houses a large gilded image of Buddha. The present temple has been restored to its past glory.
Other Monasteries
A number of countries like Japan, Burma, China, Sri Lanka, Korea, Nepal, etc., where Buddhism is an important faith, have built their respective monasteries and temples in Bodhgaya. Theses monasteries and temples offer to the tourist different architectural styles of these countries. The Archeological Museum of Bodhgaya is another important place to visit in this small town.
Other Attractions
Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throng to Bodhgaya every year.
Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center and an archeological site, but also it also for famous for the various meditation courses offered by a number of institutes, in and around the town. Most of the courses are conducted in winters (October-February).
Excursions/Places to See Nearby
Gaya
Located around 13 km from Bodhgaya is Gaya, an important holy place for Hindus. Thousands of devotees throng this small town every year for pilgrimage. The main pilgrim center in Gaya is the Vishnu temple. Legend has it that this temple was built on Lord Vishnu's footsteps and is thus considered very sacred by the devotees. It is also believed by Hindus that if the final rights are performed in Gaya, the departed soul goes to heaven.
Nalanda
Nalanda, one of the greatest centers of learning in the ancient times, is located around 50 kms away from Bodhgaya. A small village now, Nalanda is famous for its monastery that was the center of Buddhist way of learning and from where Buddhism flamed out to places like China, Tibet South-East Asia. The capital of Bihar and is part of the Buddhist Circuit that also includes Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. The village has a good network of roads that connects it to the other cities of the state.
Rajgir
Rajgir is famous for rock-cut caves, forts, Buddhist ruins, shell inscriptions, Hindu and Jain temples and Muslim tombs. Located 34 km of Bodhgay, Rajgir was the place where first Buddhist Council was held. Lord Buddha spent a major period of his life in Rajgir, which was at that time was the capital of powerful Magadha Empire.
Events and Festivals
The meditation institutes of Bodhgaya organize a number of conventions, special meetings and discourses. These are usually held in the months of January and February. Travelers seeking peace of mind and spiritual upliftment must visit these programs. Important Buddhist religious festivals are celebrated with great fervor in Bodhgaya. Buddh Purnima is the most important of Buddhist festivals organized in Bodhgaya.
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