Bodh Gaya : where Buddha attained enlightenment

The undisputed melting pot of Buddhism,  Bodh Gaya was where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree and became Buddha 2600 years ago.

In terms of blessedness, this tiny temple town located by the Falgu river, is to Buddhists what Mecca is to Muslims. Unsurprisingly, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, who come for prayer, study and meditation.

The most important monument in Bodh Gaya is the Maha Bodhi Temple Complex, which houses the Maha Bodhi tree and associated monuments. The temple complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 2002.

The Maha Bodhi Temple Complex lies 115 kms south of Patna, the capital of Bihar and 16 kms away from the district headquarters at Gaya. The first temple at Bodh Gaya was built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century BCE and the present temple dates back to 5th -6th  century CE. It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, and is considered to have had significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries. The Maha Bodhi temple, with a 170 feet high tower, underwent major renovation during late 19th  century under the British Archaeological Survey of India and later under ASI in late 1990s.

The Maha Bodhi tree at the temple complex is said to be the fourth generation direct descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha spent his first week after enlightenment. Other sacred spots at the temple complex include the Vajrasana, the Animeshlochan Chaitya, where Buddha is believed to have spent his second week, looking at the tree without blinking his eyes, the Ratnachakrama, the 18 paces Buddha walked back and forth in the third week, where lotuses bloomed, Ratnaghar Chaitya, where Buddha spent his fourth week and Ajapala Nigrodh tree under which Buddha meditated during the fifth week.  He spent the sixth week next to the lotus pond, a little away from the main temple complex.

Bodh Gaya is an international pilgrim site with many devotees from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka visiting every year. Many Hindus too visit Bodh Gaya, as Buddha is considered to be the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The other top attraction in Bodh Gaya is the 82 feet Giant Buddha statue consecrated by Dalai Lama in 1989. Besides, there are many temples and monasteries, built in their national style by foreign Buddhist communities. Notable among them are the temples built by Japanese, Thai, Tibetan and Burmese nationals.

The ambience of Bodh Gaya is a mix of monastic tranquility and small-town commotion.  Nevertheless, Bodh Gaya offers best of accommodation in the entire state of Bihar. Winter is the best time to visit Bodh Gaya and say your prayers “Buddham Sharanam Gachchhami”.  

Manish Desai | 15.09.2014