Bodhgaya

…The City Of Buddha’s Enlightenment


BodhgayaBodhgaya, is the place of enlightenment attained by Gautam Buddha who meditated by sitting under the Bodhi Tree. Buddha after sorting out the answers he was seeking by way of meditation had once again visited Bodhgaya. Although this has not been mentioned in the scriptures, but it is said that he had visited Bodhgaya in order to preach his followers and devotees. Thereafter, it became a place of holy pilgrimage for the tourists visiting this place from all over the world.


King Ashoka is the founder of the MahaBodhi Temple at Bodhgaya. About 250 years after the enlightenment, the Buddhist Emperor, Ashoka visited the site and decided to erect a diamond studded throne with four pillars supporting it. It was represented by a stone statue in the sitting position of Vajrasana, projecting it as the seat of “Ultimate Enlightenment”.


It is to be noted that Bodhgaya was known by the name of ‘Uruvella’. Bodhgaya is the place of inspiration of positivist by negating the bad karma. It is said that it is situated 90 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. This being one of the holiest places for the devotees of Buddha has been preserved till date as has been re-established by Dr. Rajendra Lal Mitra and later excavated by famous British Archaeologist Cunningham.


BodhgayaIn various scripts from the Buddhist period have written about Lord Gautam Buddha’s Charioteer ‘Chandaka’, Kanthaka the Horse and Buddha’s consort Yasodhara. It said that all the above had evolved at the same period of time besides the holy Bodhi tree. However, the holy bodhi tree has been destroyed by invaders several times but, its offspring has been brought from Ceylon.


Another most important site recommended for the tourists visiting Bodhagaya is the Archaeological Museum. This museum had discoveries of excavated relics of old temple and sculptures. Dalai Lama, as the Tibet’s Buddhist Head had migrated to Bodhgaya for couple of months to get the phenomenal feel of the view with quite and calm surroundings.


The devotees and followers of Buddhism visit Bodhgaya all throughout the year, and as such this place had become one of the holy sites in the country.