Bihar • 3 monuments
Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Gautama transformed into Buddha (the enlightened one) after attaining enlightenment (Bodhi). Buddhists consider it as the navel of the Earth and the tree is among the top four places of Buddhist pilgrimage. According to the legends, the present day tree is the descendent of the original tree under which Buddha meditated. Also known by the name Sri Maha Bodhi, the tree belongs to the family of figs and is known for its unusual heart-shaped leaves. It is believed that Buddha meditated for one full week sitting under the tree and stood in front of the tree for the next one week. He spent many more days in walking meditation near the tree. A four-sided wall protects the tree which stands towards the west of the Mahabodhi Temple. The peace at the site is simply unmatchable. Warnings: Learn and follow the Buddhist rituals at the temple complex.
The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, where Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment is one of the most scared pilgrim centres for Buddhists. The holy Bodhi tree and the monastery, the BodhimandaVihara are both near the temple. A UNESCO World heritage site, this temple complex is built in Dravidian architectural style against the Nagara style of temples. The Mahabodhi Temple, houses a towering black stone image of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra (ground-touching posture). The 1 st century stone railing, stupas and the structures commemorate and celebrate the events of those seven weeks that Buddha spent here before his enlightenment. Monks and devotees perform prostrations around the Mahabodhi tree, which is considered as a purification ritual. The Vault of Mahabodhi Temple is being gold coated using 290 kg.of gold by the Government of Thailand.
The Archaeological Survey of India maintains Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum where one can find relics and antiques that are hundreds of years old. The museum has galleries, courtyards and verandas where the sculptures and plaques have been put on display. Images made of gold, silver, bronze and stones and dedicated to the Buddhist and Hindu deities are among the prime attractions. Sunga Period’s railings and pillars and Pala Period’s paintings can also be explored here. Other interesting items include terracotta seals, scriptures, coping stones and cross bars that were obtained from various excavations sites at Bodhgaya. A gigantic statue of Lord Buddha greets the visitors to the museum which is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Other attractions around the museum include Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree and a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Warnings: Photography is strictly prohibited at themuseum. Don’t touch the exhibits. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
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