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THE LAND OF ENLIGHTMENT
Holding extreme religious importance to the Buddhists, Bodhgaya lies13 km
south of Gaya, beside the river Phalgu. It was
here, that the Lord Buddha sat under the Banyan tree and attained
enlightenment, and a descendant of that original tree still flourishes
there today. Bodhgaya is small and quiet town, which is the most important
of all the Buddhist sites in the world.
The Maha Bodhi temple
of Bodh Gaya is one of the important places of worship for the Buddhists.
Apart from being a vital Buddhist centre, it is also a significant
archaeological site. Devout Buddhists and tourists from all over the world
visit Bodhgaya, to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or to simply
absorb the aura of solemn splendour that surrounds the place.
Brief history:
Marking the holy spot of the enlightenment of the Master, this site is
looked upon with greatest sanctity and became a flourishing Buddhist
establishment with numerous temples, stupas and monasteries.
According to tradition a large number of shrines and memorials were
erected at the site to commemorate the incidents before after
enlightenment but only few now can be recognised. Of the earliest shrines,
traditionally attributed to Asoka, only vajrasana or the sandstone throne
with the characteristic Mauryan polish and decorative designs has survived
and is seen beneath the holy Bodhi tree.
To the Sunga period belongs a portion of the sandstone railing carved
with bas-reliefs, typical of the age. The remaining portion of the railing
pertains to the Gupta period. The main brick-built shrine known as the
Mahabodhi temple which appears to have been originally erected in circa
2nd century A.D., is encumbered with the heavy renovations, the four
corner-towers being an arbitrary addition of circa 14th century. Its
central tower, standing on a high plinth, is about 55m high and is a
straight-edged pyramid of seven storeys, relieved by pilasters and
chaitya-niches, substantially agreeing with its description left by the
Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang. The remaining shrines and stupas mostly
belong to the Pala period (9th to 12th century).
PRIME SITES IN BODH GAYA
Bodhi Tree:
Towards the West of the Maha Bodhi temple, is the tree where Gautam
Buddha did his meditation and attained enlightenment.
Bodhi Sarovar:
Before going in for meditation, Buddha took bath in this pond. This pond
is situated towards the west of Bodhi temple. The pond is situated in a
very attractive place and is worth visiting.
Chankamana:
Towards North of the Bodhi Temple, is a platform with foot impressions of
Buddha. Apart from these ponds and platforms, there are many temples built
by the people of various nations like the Tibet temple, the Japanese, the
Thai, the Lankan and the Bhutan temple. These temples are also a major
attraction for the tourists and devotees, who visit Bodh Gaya.
EXCURSION FROM BODHGAYA
Barabar Caves:
57 Kms from Gaya are some earliest carved out Buddhist caves. The
interior of these caves is chiselled to a wonderful polish. The carvings
in the caves reflect the skill with which these caves are carved out.
These caves were built some where in the 3rd century and are fine examples
of the skill, which the Indian mason had attained at that time. These
caves are believed to be of Mauryan period and considered to be the origin
of Indian cave architecture.
Deo :
20 kms from Gaya is located the Sun temple of Deo. In fact, this place is
famous for the 'Chhat'
festival, which is held in the month of October-November.
Dungeswari :
The place is famous for the caves where Buddha had meditated for some
time. It was in these caves that he concluded that the ultimate knowledge
can not be attained through mortification of the flesh. These caves are 12
kms from the main town of Bodh Gaya.
Rajgir:
Just 15 kms from Nalanda is located the complex of temples and
monasteries. The place is called Rajgir. It is one of the most important
tourist places in India. Being located in a valley, Rajgir is a very
scenic place.
TRAVEL
INFORMATION ON BODHGAYA
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
There is no Airport and hence no direct air connection.
Rail:
The Railways Department has provided Gaya, the neighbouring city, with a
number of trains which connect the city with all the parts of India. The
Rajdhani and Kalka Mail have their stoppages here. Gaya is a junction and
one can change trains for the other train routes.
Road:
Bodh Gaya is on the Grand Trunk Road and thus, is well connected by road,
with all the parts of the country.
Local Transport:
Taxis and buses.
WHERE TO STAY IN BODH GAYA
Buddha International, Tel. # 0631-400506.
Buddha Vihar, Bihar Tourist Complex, Tel. # 0631-400445.
ITDC Bodhgaya Ashok, Tel. # 0631-400700.
There are a number of monasteries offering accommodation.
SHOPPING IN BODH GAYA
Apart from sweets, one can buy some handicraft items and decorative
pieces made out of stone. Though sea is very far from this place, do not
be surprised if you find items made from sea shells. Behind the Bodhi
Mandir in Bodh Gaya is a huge market for foreign goods. But before buying
any thing here, make sure that you are buying the original and not a
forged item. There are no such markets in Gaya, which can be suggested for
shopping.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Tourist Reception Centre: Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Distance of near by cities: Patna: 116 kms; Bihar Sharif : 91 kms;
Bihar Sharif : 91 kms; Ranchi : 341 kms;
Nalanda: 77 kms; Calcutta: 495 kms.
International Center for Meditation: 5 kms from Bodh Gaya, near
the Magadh University.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: Approx. 27000.
Climate: Extreme type of climate, with very hot summer and cold winter.