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The city of
Bodhgaya, located in the state of Bihar, is known to most us as
being related to Gautam Buddha. However the actual association
and the facts about the place have always eluded us. Bodhgaya is
the place where the wandering prince Siddhartha sat in
meditation below a Bodhi Tree. His three days of initial
meditation and subsequent seven weeks of enlightenment have been
closely associated with various places in Bodh Gaya.
The city complete with the pilgrimage sites is beautifully
situated on the shores of the broad but shallow Lilanjan River
(also known as Neranjara). After crossing Bodh Gaya, the river
joins Mohana River and forms Phalgu River which is considered
sacred. Amongst the hustle of the city also stand proudly, the
shrines dedicated to the Buddha by various countries like China,
Japan, Bangladesh, Vietnam etc. The river surrounding hills and
caves and the history of the city itself make it a must visit
place for any nature and peace lover.
Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple is one of the highlights of the religious
township of Bodh Gaya. The shrine is constructed around the
original Bodhi Tree in the 7th century AD. The ancient temple
was destroyed during the Muslim invasion in 11th century. The
current structure restored in 1880 has been renovated several
times in yesteryears. At present, the shrine is maintained by
Archaeological Survey of India. This shrine was built by the
Burmese King identical to the stupa constructed by Emperor
Ashoka. Statue of Lord Buddha in a cross-legged seating position
that attracts tourists and devotees from all over the world. The
structure has an elevation of 50 m, which features beautiful
ancient carvings in the west and south. Highlighting
characteristic of the temple are the railings, some of which are
reproductions. The temple houses an ancient Shivalingam, which
is believed to be installed in 860 AD. The Mahabodhi Temple is
religiously important for Hindus as Lord Buddha is considered as
ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Bodhi Tree
Bodhi Tree, one of the chief revered locations, is believed to
be the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree
is believed to be the sapling of original Bodhi tree, which was
taken away by King Ashoka's daughter to Sri Lanka. There is a
red sandstone slab under the tree, known as Vajrasana or the
diamond throne. Located behind Mahabodhi Temple, the revered 115
years old tree stands 80 ft high.
Great Buddha Statue
Great Buddha Statue, standing at an elevation of 80 ft, is
one of the religious and spiritual monuments associated with
Lord Buddha Bodh Gaya. One among the tallest Buddha statues in
the country, the structure was instated in 1989 by the XIV Dalai
Lama. This structure displays meditating (dhyana mudra) Lord
Buddha, resting on a giant lotus in open air. Constructed using
sandstone blocks and red granite, the figurine exhibits
beautiful artwork.
Animesh Lochan Chaitya
Animesh Lochan Chaitya is one of the places associated with
enlightenment of Lord Buddha. During the second week of
enlightenment within the cycle of meditation, Lord Buddha spent
seven days at this place looking at the Bodhi tree. It is
believed that during this time, he did not blink his eye even
once. Animesh Lochan, meaning open eyes, is a major place of
religious significance. It is also believed that Lord Buddha
spent few days here walking between the Bodhi tree and the
Animesh Lochan Chaitya. At present, this route is known as
Ratnachankrama or the Jewel Walk
Ajapala Nigrodha tree
Ajapala Nigrodha Tree is one of objects purified during the
meditation and enlightenment of Lord Buddha. It is believed to
be planted by a shepherd boy for the protection of the Lord, who
spent his fifth week of meditation under this tree. The tree
lies in the Mahabodhi Temple complex along with the eastern
gate. As per the legend, Lord Buddha replied queries of learned
Brahmins regarding religion and general conduct during his
enlightenment.
Rajayatna tree
Rajayatna Tree is one of the sightseeing attractions in the
midst of Bodhi Temple complex. Like other revered sites in the
complex, the sacred tree is associated with Lord Buddha. The
tree is demarcated with a stone plaque. As per beliefs, Buddha
spent his seventh week, which was the penultimate week of
meditation at this site. Th tree is located south-east of the
temple complex. Besides, Burmese merchants took a refuge under
the tree and coined, 'I surrender to Buddha'.
Muchalinda Lake
Muchalinda Lake, one of the chief sightseeing locations in
Bodh Gaya, is also associated with mythological tales. The water
body is positioned on the right of the main temple and features
a sculpture of hood protecting Lord Buddha, who is meditating on
a snake coil. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Buddha was an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In the sixth week of his meditation
nearby this lake, a strong storm broke out. During that time,
Lord Buddha was protected by Shesh Naga or the Snake King
Muchalinda from the disrupting waves. The beautiful lake is
dotted by trees and lush green surroundings.
Cankamana
Cankamana shrine is one of the revered shrines positioned
along the Bodhi Temple. The shrine features various articles
that were purified by the presence of Lord Buddha. There are
pathways along with the location that were utilised by Lord
Buddha during the third week of enlightenment. Lords Buddha's
feet have been carved into black stone lotuses towards the
northern fringe of the temple, which is a chief attraction of
the shrine. Besides, there are several images of Buddha along
with his disciples in the shrine.
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple
Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple reflecting Japanese
architecture is carved with Buddhist preachings. Located at a
distance of 15 km from the city centre, the temple is
beautifully carved out of wood. The temple has a gallery of
Japanese paintings that reveal notable events from the life of
Gautam Buddha. This shrine was constructed in 1972 is among the
most frequented shrines of the region. As an initiative to
preserve and spread Buddhism and Buddha’s preachings, the
Japanese have funded this shrine.
Royal Bhutan Monastery
Royal Bhutan Monastery is one of the several monasteries in
the Buddhist town of Bodh Gaya. The monastery featuring
depictions of life of Lord Buddha attract millions of Buddhism
followers from across the world. This monastery was constructed
by the King of Bhutan as a tribute to Lord Buddha. The
well-maintained pilgrim centre attracts tourists for its clay
carvings depicting various aspects of Buddhism.
Chinese Temple
Chinese Temple, one of the revered places in the region, was
constructed by Buddhist monks. Positioned in proximity to the
Bodhi Temple complex, the temple is beautifully decorated with
Chinese designs. Revealing Chinese artwork, there is a statue of
Lord Buddha instated within the sacred sanctum. The 200 years
old statue is brought from China and was renovated in 1997.
Moreover, the temple features three beautiful golden sculptures
of Lord Buddha.
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