BodhGaya is one of the most religious and holy city in India. It is located in the Gaya District of Bihar. It is the pilgrimage place for Buddhist and Hindu.
BodhGaya holds a very important place for Buddhist.
It is said that Lord Buddha was attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree,which became an integral part of the pilgrimage circuit.
The Mahabodhi temple is the main temple and also the main centre of attraction place. It is also known as the great awakening temple. Now this temple become a UNESCO world heritage.
The name BodhGaya came into being only around the 18th century. Even the Mahabodhi temple was earlier known as Bodhimanda- Vihara.
For Buddhist, BodhGaya is the most important of the four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Lord Buddha.
The others are Lumbini, Kushinagar and Sarnath.
BodhGaya,the holy city is emerging as a powerful inspiration to the modern world, awakening people of all nations to the real possibility of enlightenment.
Several Buddhist temples and monasteries have been built by the people of Bhutan, Thiland,Japan,Sri Lanka and Taiwan also.
There are so many tourists and sightseeing places here that no one can be tired.
There is a museum located right next to the Mahabodhi temple where the tourists will find old sculptures that were once a part of the ancient temple.
While planning a trip to this holy city, make sure that you will see all this beautiful places and enhance your knowledge about Lord Buddha.
There are so many beautiful places that I can’t describe all this ,but some are most visiting sites are:-
1) Mahabodhi temple
It is also known as ‘great awakening temple ‘. The gigantic 170ft. temple stands as a cylindrical pyramid, called Shikara on the 48 sqft basement.
2) Thai monastery
It is located just 650 meters away from Mahabodhi temple.Thai monastery exhibits a perfect blend of Thai and Buddhist architecture.
3) Bodhi tree
Bodhi tree is an integral part of BodhGaya tourism. It is a huge holy tree which is considered as the direct descendant of the original Bodhi tree. As the beleive that Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating underneath this tree for seven weeks without moving from his position. There is a shrine on the same spot where he mediated which is called Animisalocana cetiya.
4) Great Buddha statue
Great Buddha statue is one of the top attractions in BodhGaya that possesses a great holy significance. The open air statue represents Buddha in a deep state of meditation on a lotus spreading peace and harmony.
5) BodhGaya archeological museum
BodhGaya archeological museum features a wide collection of artifacts, sculptures and antiquities based on Hinduism and Buddhism from 2nd century BC to 11th century CE. The museum has special collections of images of Buddha, Manjusri,Maitreya and other prominent figures from Buddhism makes it one of the best place.
6) Dungeshwari temple
It is located at a distance of 14 km from BodhGaya. It is another prime attractive place relating to Buddha’s life,also known as Mahakala caves. Dungeshwari temple is said to be place where Lord Buddha spent six years before descending to BodhGaya for enlightenment.
7) Muchalinda lake
It’s name after the serpent king Muchalinda. Muchalinda lake is one of the most sacred place to visit in BodhGaya. It is said that it is the spot where Buddha spent the six weeks while attaining enlightenment.When he was meditating by the side of Muchalinda,a thunderstorm struck and the serpent king emerged as a shield to Lord Buddha. The main sculpture is of Lord Buddha and the snake around him as a protector.
8) Royal Bhutan monastery
It is built as a tribute to Lord Buddha by the king of Bhutan. It is among the top places to visit in BodhGaya. The marvelous architecture,a seven feet tall structure of Lord Buddha and a serene aura around the monastery truly deserves the attraction for tourists.
How to reach BodhGaya
The nearest railway station is Gaya junction, located around 13 km away from BodhGaya.
The nearest airport is around 18 km from the BodhGaya town.
Best time to visit BodhGaya
October to February is the best time to visit BodhGaya.
So, when you will plan to visit BodhGaya, don’t forget to visit these beautiful places and enjoy the trip there.
Dr S.K.jha
DocWorld 