Bodhgaya is a city in Gaya district, in the Indian state of Bihar. Famed for being the place of Buddha?s attainment of enlightenment, historically Bodhgaya was known as the Bodhimanda (ground round the Bodhi-tree). For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the four main pilgrimage sites; the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.?
One of the most visited holy destinations in India, this crucible of Buddhism was built on the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree and became Buddha.
One of the major attractions of Bodhgaya is the Great Buddha Statue standing 80 feet high. The statue looks majestic and peaceful. Overlooking the serene town, the statue is made of sandstone blocks and red granite, and was inaugurated by the XIVth Dalai Lama on November 18, 1989. The sight of Buddha meditating with his eye closed and a divine glow on the face is enough to convert an atheist into theist.
Another popular attraction here is the Mahabodhi Temple. Built around the original Bodhi Tree, the temple looks like the original stupa constructed by King Ashoka. Housing a life size statue of Buddha meditating with his legs crossed, the temple attracts pilgrims with its beautifully carved stone railings encircling the temple complex.
The Bodhi Tree here is also a must visit attraction, which holds great importance among the followers of Buddhism. Holding great importance among the followers of Buddhism, it is believed that after rigorous fasting for years, Siddhartha Gautam accepted milk and honey from a young woman. He then sat beneath the Bodhi Tree and consecrated not to move until he attained enlightenment. Bodhi Day is celebrated around this tree to comemorate Buddha's enlightenment.
Another popular attraction here is the Buddha Temple, which was raised by Chinese Buddhist monks in the proximity of the Bodhi temple complex. The temple is a perfect example of Chinese architecture, and the 200 year old Buddha statue placed here was brought all the way from China.??
Delhi - Varanasi - Bodhgaya - Rajgir...
