बोधगया

Understand

thumb|The Mahabodhi Temple The man who would become the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal. As the son of a local ruler, he was raised in comfort and afforded a strong education by the standards of the time. Yet, as a young man, he grew restless in his privileged life and became a seeker of deeper truth. Renouncing his worldly comforts, he travelled extensively and studied under various spiritual teachers. His transformative moment came in Bodh Gaya, where, while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree, he attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. See Buddhism for more information.

See

Most temples open from 6AM to sunset and close between noon and 2PM.

Bodhi Tree: During the first week, the Buddha remained under the Bodhi tree. A descendant of this tree can be seen on the western side of the temple today. Animeshlocha Stupa: During the second week, the Buddha sat in a spot and stared at the Bodhi tree. This spot is now the Animeshlocha Stupa, or "unblinking stupa," where a statue of Buddha sits staring at the tree in the northern part of the temple. Ratnachakrama: During the third week, the Buddha paced back and forth between the tree and the stupa. This path is marked by the Ratnachakrama (Jewelled Ambulatory), which is near the north wall of the main temple. Lotuses sprang up from where he walked, and today, there are raised stone lotuses marking his steps. Ratnaghar Chaitya: This is the spot where Buddha spent the fourth week, to the northeastern part of the temple. Ajapala Nigrodh Pillar: The Buddha spent the fifth week meditating and answering the questions of the Brahmans under the Ajapala Nigrodh tree, a spot which is commemorated with a large pillar, on the central path past the east entrance. Lotus Pond: The Buddha spent the sixth week next to the Lotus Pond, to the south of the main complex. Rajyatana Tree: The seventh and final week was spent under the Rajyatana Tree, whose spot is marked in the southeastern corner of the temple with an actual tree. thumb|The colossal 80-foot Buddha Statue in Bodh Gaya

Do

thumb|Buddha statue in Mahabodhi Temple

Bodh Gaya is foremost a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, and nearly all of its main attractions reflect this spiritual focus. While a secondary tourist industry has developed—offering shopping, dining, and accommodation — these are not the primary draw. That said, several shops in the main town sell inexpensive souvenirs unique to Bodh Gaya, which may interest some pilgrims.

The central activities for pilgrims include circumambulating the stupa and meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree. Non-Buddhist visitors may simply enjoy the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere that surrounds the site. The lighting installed in 2020 has added a particularly warm and serene quality to the area, making the evening an especially beautiful time to walk around the stupa or sit quietly under the tree.