Bodh Gaya Mandir Bihar, How to reach, Visiting time, Entry, Hotel, Attractions: Bodh Gaya Temple, also known as the Mahabodhi Temple (Mandir), is the holiest site of Buddhism in India, where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment. The site features a descendent of the Bodhi Tree at the Bodh Gaya temple is linked to the life of Buddha, who attained enlightenment, and it has been a prominent pilgrimage place for Hindus and Buddhists. The Mahabodhi Temple is one of India’s oldest brick temples. The ancient temple was later replaced and built by the Great King Ashoka to mark the Buddha’s enlightenment and was one of Buddhism’s most prominent proselytes.
According to Buddhist mythology, Siddhartha Goutam acquired enlightenment and the answers he had sought after three days and three nights. It is one of four sacred sites associated with the life of the Lord Buddha. UNESCO designated the Mahabodhi Temple here as a World Heritage Site in 2002.
History of Bodh Gaya Mandir (Mahabodhi Temple), Bihar
Bodh Gaya is a small town close to the Gaya district, around 100 kilometers southeast of Patna, Bihar’s capital. This city is located in the west on the banks of the Phalgu River, a Ganges tributary. Gautam Buddha performed severe penance here in 500 BC, sitting under the Bodhi tree on the banks of the Falgu River. Following that, he gained knowledge. He became known as Buddha after getting enlightenment here. As a result, devotees of Buddha began congregating at this place. This place became known as Bodhgaya over time, and the day Buddha gained enlightenment became known as Buddha Poornima.
The statue of Buddha in the Mahabodhi temple is in the same position in which he performed penance while sitting, and it was built by Lord Buddha himself. This idol’s nature has also been established at the temples of Nalanda and Vikramshila. In this city, the Great King Ashoka erected several monuments.
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Main Attraction Of Bodh Gaya Temple in Bihar
The Mahabodhi Temple- The Mahabodhi is the primary attraction of Bodh Gaya temple which stands 55 meters tall. Its pyramidal shikhara is layered with niches, arch patterns, and beautiful engravings. The corners of the two-story structure are adorned with four towers and capped with an umbrella-like dome. A shrine inside the temple houses a glass-encased yellow sandstone statue of the Buddha. One of Ashoka’s most prominent pillars may be seen in the temple’s southeast corner.
The Bodhi Tree- In Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha got enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This tree is thought to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree, which was brought to Sri Lanka by King Ashoka’s daughter.
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Large Buddha Statue- The Lord Buddha statue, which stands 80 feet tall, is the main attraction of Bodh Gaya in the Mahabodhi Temple. It is one of the country’s tallest Buddha sculptures. The Dalai Lama erected the statue in 1989.
Visiting Time Of Bodh Gaya Temple
Timing:Â The world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara main shrine (complex) in Bodh Gaya is open all throughout the week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Sunday, the 80-feet Buddha statue in the historic town is open to all visitors.
Entry Fees:Â Entry is free for all visitors, but a small entry fee is charged for visitors to enter Meditation Park. All visitors must deposit their cell phones and other electronic devices at the free baggage desk before entering the Mahabodhi Temple. Visitors who carry a camera and video cameras must pay INR 100 and INR 300, respectively.
How to reach Bodh Gaya
By Air
Gaya is the closest airport, located roughly 17 kilometers from Bodh Gaya. Flights from the airport to Kolkata are frequent. Thai Airways has daily flights to Gaya, while Druk Air operates a weekly route from Bangkok.
Gaya’s second closest airport is in Patna, which is around 135 kilometers away. Patna airport is well-connected by Indian Airlines and other domestic airlines to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow, and other Indian cities.
By TrainÂ
Gaya Junction, 13 kilometers from Bodhgaya, is the nearest railway station. It has excellent connections to major Indian cities. Furthermore, the Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train operated by Indian Railways is a suitable option for visitors wishing to visit Bodhgaya as well as other pilgrimage destinations.
By Road
Roads link Bodh Gaya to various cities throughout India. The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation operates premium buses from Patna to Bodhgaya twice a day for visitors. Aside from Patna, new luxury air-conditioned Volvo bus routes from Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, and Kathmandu link Bodh Gaya with nearby towns and cities.
