Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which lies about 115 km south of Patna, the capital of Bihar, and 16 km from the district headquarters of Gaya. The magnificent Mahabodhi Temple is one of the four holy sites related to the life of Lord Buddha, and marks the spot where he attained enlightenment. Standing in the middle of Bodh Gaya town, set amid lush green lawns, the iconic sandstone temple rises to a height of about 52 m. With intricate engravings and arch motifs on its shikhara (tower), it is a spectacular sight. Inside the temple, a gilded statue showcases Lord Buddha in his famous bhumisparsha mudra, with one finger touching the earth, asking it to witness his enlightenment. A chamber at the top houses a statue of Mayadevi, Lord Buddha’s mother. The Mahabodhi Temple, destroyed in the 12th century was resurrected in the 14th century and excavated in 1811. It is truly a sight to behold. A pond near the temple that houses blooming lotus flowers is a particular attraction.

Mahabodhi Temple

Bodhi tree

On the left of the Mahabodhi Temple lies the Bodhi tree, a central symbol in Buddhism. It marks the spot where the original Bodhi tree once stood, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. For more than a month, Siddhartha (as Buddha was earlier called) meditated beneath a sacred fig tree in Bodhgaya. Every year on December 8, Buddhist followers across the world celebrate Bodhi Day, a celebration of Buddha’s enlightenment underneath the Bodhi tree. The present Bodhi tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree. Surrounded by beautifully carved votive stupas, chaityas (Buddhist prayer halls) and several statues of Lord Buddha, one can find Buddhist monks sitting here in peace, reading or meditating. It is said that emperor Ashoka's daughter, Sanghamitta (or Sanghmitra), took a branch from the original Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya to Sri Lanka, and planted it in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. That Bodhi tree is still alive and is supposedly the oldest continually documented tree in the world. The current Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya is believed to have been grown from a sapling brought from the one in Sri Lanka.

Bodhi tree

Pragbodhi

Around 7 km from Bodh Gaya, on a hill, is located Pragbodhi (meaning prior to enlightenment). It is believed that Lord Buddha spent seven years living an austere life in a cave in this hill before he attained enlightenment. His belief during his stay was that one can find the truth through asceticism. However, sometime later he realised he was wrong. Now known as Dungeshwari Cave, it has a small temple at the spot where Lord Buddha meditated. A short hike to the top of the hill offers stunning views of the land around and the ruins of a few stupas. One can also catch sight of the Mahabodhi Temple from here. Pragbodhi is generally a three-four hour trip from Bodh Gaya.

Pragbodhi

Archaeological Society of India Museum

Archaeological Society of India Museum houses an excellent collection of various Buddhist and Hindu relics, mostly related to the Pala period (8th to 12th centuries). Established in 1956, the museum has two galleries and an open courtyard, along with two verandahs that boast various antiques. One can find exhibits of bronze statues, terracotta items, images of Lord Buddha and stone sculptures, along with pillars, railings, panels, rods, plaques etc. It is located inside the Mahabodhi Temple complex. The second gallery of the museum houses an idol of the varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu and visitors can also learn about the dasavatara (10-avatar) incarnation of the deity. While it is quite difficult to encapsulate the vast history of Bodh Gaya and the richness of Buddhist culture, this museum is an attempt to make research and understanding easier.

Archaeological Society of India Museum