Bodh Gaya: Exploring the Sacred Land of Enlightenment
In the Gaya district of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is the Buddhist pilgrimage site popular for its Mahabodhi temple. It was located here under the tree where Gautama Buddha achieved his enlightenment. Now the area is the UNESCO world heritage site. So, a lot of foreign countries help the Indian government to build facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. The place attracts numerous pilgrims from India and abroad throughout the year. So they come here and pay their homage to temples, monasteries, and remnants of the Bodhi tree.
Earlier, the place was known as Uruwela, near the river Neranjana. Also, in the 18th century CE, it was known as Mahabodhi, Vajrasana, or Sambodhi. Bodh Gaya is the most important Buddhist site, including Lumbini, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.
How to reach Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is well connected with all transport mediums like air, train, and roadways. The closest airport is at Gaya, around 17 km from the place with regular flights. It also has the nearest railway station; you can reach here via bus and taxi. Regular bus service is also available from Varanasi, Kathmandu, Rajgir, or Nalanda.
The City of Enlightenment
The town is located on the river Neranjana and is well known as a holy city in Bihar. Today the place is a UNESCO world heritage site; Bodh is where lord buddha attained his education. Also, from this, he attains his name as Bodhisattva. Therefore, the place is like a paradise for Buddhists. Apart from this, the city still holds Ashoka’s contribution to commemorate Buddha’s enlightenment and preach Buddhism. Also, the small city holds several mysteries which leave even historians mesmerized.
Bodhi Tree
The bodhi tree or bodhi fig tree is a large and ancient holy fig tree known as the Bo tree. It is located in Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher known as Buddha. So it is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi. Therefore, this quaint and divine town is an important pilgrimage spot for Buddhists. You must Visit its beautiful monasteries and temples and experience warmth and serenity like never before. In the 7th century, a small temple was built near the Bodhi tree and frequently visited tourist destinations. The Bodhi tree’s energy and the temple complex where it is housed. So, since the Buddha’s time, it has drawn yogis, sages, and those who practise meditation.
Top tourist attraction to see in Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi temple
The temple, also known as the “Great Awakening Temple,” is a Bodh Gaya-based UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buddhist temple said that lord buddha attained his enlightenment at the place. This temple covers an area of 4.8 hectares and is 55 m tall. The Bodhi tree is on the temple’s left, and emperor Ashoka constructed the original temple. So, after it, he turned to Buddhism to seek peace. When Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya, he constructed a small temple with a tree. The temple offers overall silence and peace that will enchant your stay at the site.
Great Buddha Statue
The statue of Lord Buddha is the tallest in India, and in 1989 it was inaugurated by the XIV Dalai Lama. Ten smaller statues of Buddha’s followers surround the large Buddha statue, which is situated in a garden at the end of Temple Street. The 14th Dalai Lama dedicated it on November 18, 1989, and it was conceivably the largest Buddha statue in India at the time. In 1982, the statue’s foundation stone was set.
Thai Monastery
Thai Monastery is well known for its curved roof with exquisite gold tiles. The place offers you the bronze statue of Budhha, a recently erected 25 m high statue in the garden. Bodhgaya was the only Thai temple in India and was constructed by the Monarch of Thailand in 1956. Thai Monastery stands out for its stunning beauty and exceptional architecture. To learn more about the place, you must visit the place to get expertise with the site.
Muchalinda Lake
The Muchalinda Lake, a well-known attraction in Bodh Gaya, is close to the main temple. It is connected to a mythical story that says Snake King Muchalinda shielded Lord Buddha from the storm. The lake is straight across the Bodhi tree and approachable through the pathway. Muchalinda Lake water is sacred and has thousands of fish, so that you can feed them with puffed rice.
Mouth-Watering food served by Bodh Gaya
Bodhgaya is a religious centre, so it doesn’t offer much food regarding alcohol and Non-Vegetarian. Therefore, the town sustains various food, from Tibetan dishes to Italian dishes, including pizza and pasta. The place is also popular for its sweets and is the origin of some. It includes sweets like-Tilkut, Khaja, Lai, and Kesariya Peda, the dishes of Bihar.
Best time to visit the place
The best time to visit the place is between October and March, but tourists flock throughout the year. It is where Gautama Buddha was a teacher and taught everyone life’s lessons. When you come to the place, you feel the place’s relaxing vibe and pleasant weather. So it will surely enhance your stay at the place.
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Pilgrimage site
Bodh Gaya is a Buddhist pilgrimage site popular for its Mahabodhi temple. It was located here under the tree where Gautama Buddha achieved his enlightenment. Now the area is the UNESCO world heritage site. So, a lot of foreign countries help the Indian government to build facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. The place attracts numerous pilgrims from India and abroad throughout the year. So they come here and pay their homage to temples, monasteries, and remnants of the Bodhi tree.
Neranjana River
Neranjana River flows near the holy land of Bodhgaya, where Gautama Buddha attained her learning. It is the picturesque and more attractive river near Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya is popular worldwide for its natural beauty and peace, known as Gautama Buddha place. Now the area is the UNESCO world heritage site. So, a lot of foreign countries help the Indian government to build facilities for Buddhist pilgrims.
Bodhi Tree
The bodhi tree or bodhi fig tree is a large and ancient holy fig tree known as the Bo tree. It is located in Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher known as Buddha. So it is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi. Therefore, this quaint and divine town is an important pilgrimage spot for Buddhists. You must Visit its beautiful monasteries and temples and experience warmth and serenity like never before. In the 7th century, a small temple was built near the Bodhi tree and frequently visited tourist destinations. The Bodhi tree’s energy and the temple complex where it is housed. So, since the Buddha’s time, it has drawn yogis, sages, and those who practise meditation.
