The Place of Enlightenment
About the Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, situated at Bodhgaya is one of the ancient and most important shrines of India. Pilgrims from all over the globe come to visit Bodhgaya, the awakening site. Bodhgaya is the place where Lord Buddha got enlightenment. It is believed to be the only place that could abide the power of the Buddha's attainment.
Mahabodhi Temple is regarded to have been constructed by Emperor Ashoka, who visited the place after 250 years of Buddha’s
enlightenment. It boasts of a 52 m tall spire that houses the colossal gilded image of Lord Buddha. In the
sanctum sanctorum, the huge image of Buddha looks mesmerising in which he is sitting in a 'Bhumisparsh Mudra' (touching the ground). Mahabodhi Temple along with Bodhi Tree completes the holy pilgrimage to Bodhgaya.
Bodhi Tree is a significant part of Bodh Gaya, which is believed to grow on the day, Gautama Buddha was born. Under Bodhi tree, there is a platform embracing the footprints of Lord Buddha carved in stone.
The temple is considered as the excellent specimen of brickwork. The Temple is one of the earliest Buddhist shrines that have managed to restrain the ravages of the times. In 2002, the marvelous temple was announced as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
How to Reach
One can easily reach the temple by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis or by own vehicle from anywhere in Bihar. The nearest airport is located at Patna that lies at a distance of 96 kms from Gaya. n
