Bodhi Temple

About:
The Bodhi Temple located in the Bodhgaya is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It is believed that here only, Lord Buddha under the famous Banyan tree, attained enlightenment. Founded by the emperor Ashoka in 3rd century B.C., temple has the reflection of the Gupta architecture. Spread on 15mt square, Bodhi temple is 52mts in height. Statue of Buddha, in the pose of touching the earth is the main attraction of the temple and is said to be 1700 years old. Inside the temple, visitors can see a musuem, exhibiting a collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics, terracota seals, scriptures etc. Along the temple one can see monastery, a diamond throne, a canopy supported by pillars. The Banyan tree under which Lord Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment must be seen. One can see many temples, stupas, monasteries and medication centres around this holy temple.  

The Bodhi Temple, built in the 3rd century is an important Buddhist pilgrimage centre. Buddhist pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the world, visit Bodh Gaya to study Buddhism and the art of meditation. The visitors throng the temple to simply get the aura of solemn beauty that surrounds the place. Bodhi temple has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the place where Lord Sakyamuni (Gautam Buddha), entered into meditation after being moved by the sufferings of mankind. The temple has ruined shrines and memorial, which were erected at the site to commemorate the incidents before and after enlightenment. In addition to a important Buddhist centre, the Bodhi Temple is also a significant archaeological site. The Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Tibet, Bhutan and Japan have established monasteries and temples near the Bodhi Temple.
Location info:
Address:Bodhi Temple,Gaya,Bihar,India
District: Gaya
Nearest City: Gaya
Best time to visit: October to March
Climate/Weather:
Summer- Max. 43, Min. 21. Winter – Max. 20, Min. 6. Rainfall: 120 cms.
History:
Some 25 centuries ago, Lord Buddha had attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya sitting under the Bodhi tree. The original Bodhi tree had died and the present one is regarded as the fifth descendent of the original tree. Bodh Gaya is today the most sacred pilgrimage centre for Buddhists of the world. A number of monasteries have been constructed by the Burmese, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Bhutanese followers of Buddhism at the place. The most unique aspect of construction is that the monasteries have been built in indigenous architectural styles of the different countries  

Some 250 years after Buddha attained enlightenment, Emperor Ashoka visited Bodhgaya and is said to have constructed the Mahabodhi temple. Ashoka is also believed to have constructed a monastery and erected a diamond throne shrine at the seat of enlightenment. In fact, several shrines were constructed with enshrined images for use as places of worship. The shape of the Mahabodhi temple resembles that of a pyramid. The imposing structure rises to a height of 52 metres. The basement of the temple is square with a length and breadth of 15 metres. In the four corners of the temple are Bodhi Temple Bodhgaya Bihartowers rising to some height.
Interesting things to do:
Festivals Celebrated:
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated in a very big way in Bodhgaya temples. The festival, celebrated on a full moon day in April/May, attracts devotees from all parts of the world. Another important festival is Nyingma Monlam Chenmo, held in January-February for about three weeks. In this festival, prayers are held for world peace. The Dalai Lama has also attended the festival on a few occasions.
Interesting things to Visit:
Aurangabad Caves:
Located in the outskirts, the caves are carved out between the second century and the sixth century. These caves are famous for their architecture and intricate carvings. Among the twelve caves most fascinating are the Caves 3 and 7.  

Ghrishneswar Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the jyotirlings. Built in the 18th century, it houses many shrines of gods such as Vishnu, Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati etc. Made of red sandstone, it also includes shrines of Mahabharata heroes.

Bibi – Ka – Maqbara:
TBuilt in 1678, this monument is called the ‘Taj of South India’. It is a mausoleum made by Prince Azam Shah, for his mother Begum Rabia Durani, wife of the Mughal Emperor Auranzeb. Visitors can see fantastic work of Mughal architecture here.

Daulatabad:
Named by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, it is located 13km away from Aurangabad and was earlier called Devgiri. Built in the 12th century, these fortress are crowned atop a hill. Known for the brilliant architecture, it served as the head quarters of the Yadava rulers.

Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum:
Buddhist pilgrims in Bodhgaya, IndiaThe archaeological museum is must visit for religious art lovers. The museum has a huge collection of stone sculptures and other artifacts. The museum reflects the age of Buddha through several art forms. It houses the Buddhist sculpture collection from 1st Century B.C to 11th Century A.D.
Mobile range info:
 
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Gaya is the nearest railway station at a distance of 16 kms. Gaya is a major railway station and there are trains to Gaya from many destinations of India.
Nearest Airport:Patna airport located at a distance of 105 kms from Bodhgaya is the nearest landing facility.
Road Transport:Bodh Gaya is well connected by good network of roads to Gaya (12 Kms), Patna (135 Kma), Nalanda (101 Kma), Rajgir (78 Kms) and Varanasi (252 Kms). Regular buses run from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation run buses from Patna twice a day.
Nearest Visiting places:
Gaya:
The ancient town of Gaya, located 100 kms south of Patna, is of great significance to Hindus and Budhhists. It is on the bank of Phalgu river. Here Lord Budhha preached the essence of life and Lord Vishnu preached the reality of death. It is believed that this place has been blessed by Lord Vishnu with purificatory powers to the “Atma”.The well known Vishnupad temple is situated at Andhargaya on the bank of river Phalgu and about 3 Kms from the heart of the town whereas Bodhi briksha (Bodhi tree) and Mahabodhi temple is situated at Bodhgaya which is about 11/ 13 Kms from the heart of the town.Legend has it that a gentle demon named Gaya, appalled by the sorrow caused by death, complained to Vishnu, and as protest died for the world. Impressed by his resolve, Vishnu blessed Gaya with the power to absolve sinners. Like Varanasi, and many other riverside towns, Gaya is a “tirtha” – a crossing across the celestial divide.  

Pawapuri:
Pawapuri is also known as Apapuri, it is believed that all sins for a devout Jain end here. Lord Mahavira who was the last Tirthankar breathed his last here around 500 B.C and was cremated on the bank of a large lake, overflowing with beautiful lotuses. Pawapuri, the place where Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, attained his enlightenment is located 38 kms from Rajgir and 90 kms from Patna.Legend has it that after the cremation of Mahavira, in order to meet the demand for his ashes, a large amount of soil was removed from around the funeral pyre, creating the water-tank. The beautiful marble Jalmandir was later built in the middle of the tank. Jal Mandir, the white marble temple in the middle of this lake, blooming with beautiful lotus flowers affords a breathtakingly enchanting sight. A large number of Jain pilgrims throng here. Samosharan, another Jain temple, is also located here. There are five other temples in the vicinity.

Vaishali:
The world’s first democracy with a duly elected council– Vajji, had its seat of administration in Vaishali. Being associated with Buddha and Jain Tirthankars, Vaishali has emerged as a historical and scenic place. Lord Buddha came thrice here and also gave his last sermon at Vaishali. Amrapali, a courtesan, gifted a mango grove to Buddha and later she became a Buddhist nun. Vaishali was also the venue for the second Buddhist council, 100 years after the death of Buddha.Vaishali is also considered to be the birthplace of Jain Tirthankar, Mahavira, by the Swetambar sect of Jains. Many historical monuments and material were found in the excavations at Vaishali

Barabar caves:
The Barabar caves, generally found in the shape of a cottage or hut, open on one side with other three sides walled with stone. With their interiors smooth and soothing, these caves also served as retreats for the Jain and Buddhist monks. Among the Buddhist caves, the Lomas Rishi cave is the finest example of the world famous Indian Buddhist Chaitya arch style.

Barabar hills:
Barabar hills located at a distance of 20 kilometers from Gaya in Bihar, comprises numerous temples constructed from black granite stones. Built for the first time during Ashoka’s reign with contributions in the later period also, these caves look like wood from a distance.

Nagarjuna caves:
The Nagarjuna caves, large in size, depicts the Jataka tales. An excellent work of architecture, these caves includes bow shaped arches at the entrance, circular halls and mini caves, all polished from inside. The Sudama cave, a two chambered structure with polished interiors, is the perfect example of this type of cave. Towards the north of the Sudama cave lies Karan Choper or Supriya cave, which is a single chambered structure with a vaulted roof and small gate. Secondly, the caves of the five Pandavas form another part of the Barabar caves. THese caves, used by five brothers, the Pandavas in their exile in the Mahabharata period, are small in size.

Swarna Bhandar:
The Swarna Bhandar or the King Bimbisara’s treasury, is also known as the twin rock cut caves in Rajgir. a major tourist destination, two cave chambers were hollowed out of a single massive rock, one of which is believed to have been the guards’ room. The rear wall or the doorway which has two straight vertical lines and one horizontal line cut into the rock, is supposed to lead to king Bimbisara’s treasury. The inscriptions carved on the wall in Sankhalipi or shell script has not be deciphered yet and considered to be the clue to open the golden treasury.

Bodhi Tree:
This tree is worshipped as holy, divine and as a giver of enlightenment and wisdom. It is under this banyan tree (a pipal tree) that Lord Buddha meditated after renouncing all worldly pleasures and attained wisdom and divine enlightenment.The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Vajrasana (the posture in which he meditated), the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.

Mahabodhi Temple:
Buddhism is today a world renowned religion. It is this temple that witnessed the divine enlightenment of Gautama Siddartha who renounced all worldly pleasures to find the answers to the questions that stirred his soul. He meditated under a pipal tree here and attained insight and wisdom that he preached to the world. This tree is also referred to as the “Bodhi tree”. A visit to this holy place will explain to you why the UNESCO declared it as a World heritage site in the year 2002.The Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya built around 6th-7th centuries, is the largest but is a later structure constructed on the site of the Bodhi Shrine of Buddha. This temple was constructed by the famous Emperor Asoka who embraced Buddhism after feeling guilty of leading a life of war and destruction.
The temple is 170 ft high consisting of nine storeys of pyramidal towers. The structure has a stupa-shaped dome at the top. At the base of the main tower are four towers at each of the four corners. On the edifice are several niches with Buddha images depicting scenes from his life. As you enter the temple you can see the main shrine which is built where Buddha attained Enlightenment. The place is called “the Navel of the Earth” (puthavinabhim) where Buddha gained wisdom, knowledge and light and later experienced this joy of liberation for the next seven days sitting there.

TARA STHAN:
It is situated at a distance of about 16 Kms west of Saharsa in village Mahishi where an ancient temple of Bhagwati Tara is built. The idol of Bhagwati Tara is said to be very old and draws devotees from far and wide. On either side of the main deity, there are two smaller female deities which are worshipped by the people as Ekjata nad Nil Saraswati.

Chandika Sthan at BIRATPUR:
Biratpur village under Sonebarsa block of this district is famous for an ancient temple of goddess Chandi. This village is also associated with King Birat of the Mahabharat age. During exile the Pandavas had lived here for 12 years.The tantric Scholars and devotees attach much significance to this Chandi temple, which is said to form an equilateral triangle (TRIK) WITH Katyayani temple near Dhamhara ghat and Tara temple at Mahishi. During the Navratra people from distant places visit the village to offer prayers to the goddess of power.

Madan Bharti Asthan:
The place is situated in Mahishi Block. It is said that a religious discourse (Shastrath) was held between Shankaracharya and the local scholar Mandan Mishra. Bharti, wife of Madan Mishra, who was also a great scholar, was named as Judge for the discourse. It is also said that Shankaracharya, after his initial victory over Madan Mishra was challenged by Bharati, was outwitted by her and he (accepted defeat).

SUN Temple at Kandaha:
Like Deb (in Aurangabad district), the SUN Temple at Kandaha village is an important religious and historical place which has been duly recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. The idol of sun god riding seven horsed chariot, has been carved on a single granite slab. At the door of the sanctum sanctorum, there are inscriptions which a deciphered by historians, confirm that this sun temple was built during the period of king Narsimha Deo of Karnata dynasty who ruled over Mithila in the 12th century. It is said that a brutal Mughal emperor named Kalapahad had damaged the temple which was however renovated by the famous saint poet Laxminath Gosai.

Laxminath Gosai Sthal at Bangoan:
The famous saint and poet of which is hardly 9 Km away from the district head quarter. The huge bunyan tree under which the remains of Gosaiji have been preserved is the centre of great reverence for the people of the district.

Dewan Ban Mandir:
One Shiv Ling is established in the temple situated in Sahpur-Manjhoul of Nauhatta block. It is said that the Ling was established by Maharaja Shalivahan some time in 100BC. The Hindus celebrate a festival called jitiya after the name of Jimutbahan who was the son of Maharaja Shalivahan. Description of this place is found in Shri Puran. The ancient shrine at Dewan Ban was washed away by the turbulent Koshi river. The local people have however build another temple in the adjacent area.

Nauhatta:
It is an old village, important since the time of Mughals and is presently the headquarters of the block of the same name. The village has a ‘Shiva temple’ about 80 feet in height. The temple which was damaged in the earthquake of 1934 was reconstructed by Raja Srinand Singh of Srinagar Estate. There is a grave of Madho Singh on an earthen mound about 50 feet high. Madho Singh had become a martyr in the battle of Ladri Ghat. Offerings are made on he rave both by Hindus and Muslims.

Bihar School of Yoga:
Bihar School of Yoga houses a Yoga Research Library. Comprising of a well-stocked and large collection of books and data, the library is an asset in itself. Here, you will find the school’s publication on Yoga, health techniques and research, apart from other books on yoga. The school, located at Ganga Darshan, is built over a large hill overlooking the Utter-Vahini Ganga. The location of the training is very apt, as it provides the perfect ambience for the establishment of such a training centre.

Bhimbandh Wild Life Sanctuary:
Occupying an area of about 682 sq km, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the south-west of Munger District of Bihar. The sanctuary falls to the south of the river Ganges and is at a distance of 56 km from Munger. Besides being famous for its wildlife, the place is also well accounted for its hot water springs. These hot springs are basically found at the valley portion and the foothills of Bhimbandh.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Dobhi Gaya:Gaya,Bihar,India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Lotus Nikko Bodhgaya Hotel:Bodhgaya,Gaya,Bihar,India   Hotel Pankaj:Tekari Road,Gaya,Bihar,India,MO:09955811250 Hotel Gharana:Hotel Gharana,South Church Road,Near Gandhi Maindan,Gaya,Bihar,India,ph:0631 2225512
Things to carry:
 
Tips & Suggestions:
 
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Government Hospital:Jehanabad,Bihar,India
Holy Family Hospital:Koderma,Jharkhand,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:www.mapsofindia.com