Bodh Gaya or Bodhgaya is the site of Gautama Buddha’s Enlightenment. It is situated in the Gaya district of Bihar state, India. It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage centers for Buddhists. Bodhgaya or Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince Gautama Siddhartha, or Gautama Sakyamuni, reached Phalgu near Gaya some 26 centuries ago. 26 Gautama Sakyamuni or Buddha sat under a sacred pipal or Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) and meditated. After three days and three nights of meditation, he is said to have attained Enlightenment. He adopted the name Budda. The decedent of the original Bodhi tree is still there next to the temple.
Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, visits this place quite frequently during the year endings. October to March is the primary pilgrimage season.
Maha Bodhi Temple is at a distance of 110 kilometers from Patna. Emperor Ashoka, after 250 years of Buddha’s Enlightenment, is said to have visited Bodhgaya. He built the original temple (a simple shrine) in third century BCE. Stone railings were added in the 1st century BCE. Ramins of this can be seen today. The original shrine was replaced in 2nd century CE as Maha Bodhi Temple. The Last restoration was by Burmese Buddhists in 1882.
The central gopuarm is 180 feet or 54 meters tall. The temple complex has an area of 11.9 acres.
There is a Archiological Museum showcasing different Buddhist relics at Bodhgaya. It has two gallaries. It opwns at 10.00 am closes at 5.00 pm. Fridays are holidays for this museum at Bodhgaya. There is an entry fee for adults. Children below 15 years do not have the entry fee.
There is also a Ashoka Pillar at Bodh Gaya.
How Do I Go to Gautama Sakyamuni’s Enlightenment Site?
Bodhgaya is 12 kilometers from Gaya City, and NH 83 connects Bodh Gaya with Gaya City.
Gaya Junction railway station, at around 12 kilometers, is the nearest railway station to Bodhgaya. Bodhgaya International Airport is at a distance of 13 kilometers.
Patna, the capital of Bihar state, is 110 kilometers away and has a major railway station there.
Accommodation at Bodh Gaya
If you are looking for accommodation at Bodh Gaya, Tara Guest House is an ideal one, costing as low as Rs 800/- plus tax and Rs 900/- plus tax. Charity backpackers, Tikabigha, Bodh Gaya, is another affordable option. They have rooms costing Rs 350 per day on-wards.
Note: Room rates are subject to change. Please verify the rates before booking.
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