Bodhi Vihara

Bodhi Vihara
A sprawling pilgrimage town, Bodh Gaya is home to many ancient and medieval shrines, monasteries and temples. The main attraction is the Mahabodhi Temple or Bodhi Vihara, a stupa type of temple with a colossal Buddha image which is a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO.
It is believed that Gautama Siddhartha meditated for six weeks under the Ficus religiosa or Bodhi tree before attaining enlightenment. The present tree is a direct descendant of the original and is considered to be the center of devotion for all Buddhists. Kindly keep reading until the very end to get into the detailed learning about the Bodhi Vihara.
Bodhi Vihar, an Introduction
Mahabodhi Vihar or Mahabodhi Temple is a renowned Buddhist vihara that is located inside Bodh Gaya. It was also designated as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The monastery is located in the exact spot in which Gautama Buddha was able to attain enlightenment during the 6th century BCE.
The vihara is also referred to in the form of Mukhi Vihar and Mahabodhi Vihar. The architecture of this temple is akin to the stupa that was built by the Emperor Ashoka.A large Statue of Gautama Buddha is there within this vihara. The statue lies in the stage of padmasana.
It is fascinating to observe this particular idol, which is situated in the place where Gautama Buddha was able to attain enlightenment. The sculptured railing of the stone is constructed within the Vihara. The railing is among the oldest remains discovered within Bodh Gaya. The south-east side of the Vihara complex lies a beautiful park with natural scenery in which Buddhist Bhikkhus meditate. Visitors from the general public can access this park only with the approval from Vihar administration.
Also, Read: Buddha Enlightenment
Who was Buddha?

Lord Gautam Buddha who paved the way for humanity, the way to a better life through his thought processes and ideas, was a brilliant scientist, philosopher, spiritual leader from India and a social reformer, and the Founder of Buddhism. Buddha got married to Yashodhara. The child born of this union, which was called Rahul. However, shortly after the wedding, Gautam Buddha abandoned his wife and the child.
He left his home to the forest in the night to search for real divine knowledge and a way to free the world from death, birth and pain. After years of intense meditation, he reached spiritual awakening under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya (Bihar) and was subsequently Siddhartha Gautama transformed in the form of Gautam Buddha.
Today, there are more than 190 million Buddhist followers across the world. The number of people who follow Buddhism is around 25% of the world and the followers are increasing still. Bodh Gaya is a religious spot and site for Buddhista pilgrimage.
Life story of Siddhartha Gautam
Gautama Buddha or Siddhatha Gautam was born in Lumbini Nepal near Kapilavastu around 563 BC. . He was the son of Shudodhan. Shudodhan was the king of his time and his mother Maya Devi was a woman from the Koli Dynasty, however Maya Devi died within 7 days after having an infant.
Following that, he was brought up to a young age by aunt and queen Gautami who was the second wife of the king Thus the child got the name Siddhartha. The name Siddhartha means someone with the intention to achieve Siddhi and later in his life he did achieve Siddhi. Siddhartha was a very compassionate person from the very childhood.
Siddhartha often lost himself when he played sports as a child because he didn’t wish to cause pain to other players. Siddharth additionally has a brother called Devadatta. When Devdutt was shooting an arrow using his bow, a bird goose got injured.. Later, Siddhartha helped the goose that was injured.
Buddha Great Awakening
In the morning of Vaishakhi Purnima, Siddharth sat in his meditation meditatively in the shade of the tree. A villager known as Sujatha had a son. She had asked for the vow of her son from the Vatavruksha and obtained a gold plate in order to bring this joy. She filled the pudding with cow’s milk, and then reached the Vatavruksha.
The lady very gracefully presented the gift of Kheer Siddharth and told him that I had fulfilled my wish and so was yours. Siddhartha’s meditation worked on the night of his meditation itself as he attained the enlightenment. Since then , Siddhartha was used to be known as Buddha and the tree under which he attained the great awakening was known as Bodhivriksha in the same way.

Buddha Teachings
Lord Buddha advised the people to walk his path of medium. He stressed the importance of non-violence as a cause and to alleviate its suffering. He wanted everyone to be merciful to the creatures. Gautam Buddha has firmly condemned the havan and animal sacrifice. The essence of a few of Buddha’s teachings is the following:
Gautam Buddha propagated various Resolutions from Sanatan Dharma, such as Agnihotra and Gayatri Mantra. Agnihotra as well as Gayatri Mantra
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Four Arya Truths
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Ashtanga paths
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meditation and understanding
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Follow the Middle Way
So, with these words, we are wrapping up this article. We hope the readers will surely love this article. Should you be happy, remember to like, comment and share.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. ” — Gautam Buddha
Conclusion
The Bodhi Vihar in Bodhgaya is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a living symbol of enlightenment ideals The global reach of the Bodhi Vihar is an affirmation of mankind’s ever-lasting search to find meaning and truth.
Frequently Asked Question
What does Vihara signify in Buddhism?
Buddhist temples and viharas could be described as an accommodation for monks, an area for prayer and meditation and a place of Buddhist study .
What is Vihara?
Vihara is nothing but a monastery that caters to monks who have dedicated themselves to Buddhism.
What is a Buddhist temple?
The Buddhist temple (also known as Buddhist monastery is the site to worship for those who follow Buddhism. These are the structures known as vihara, stupa, chaitya, wat and pagoda in various languages and regions.