buddha temple bodhgaya

Buddha Temple Bodhgaya

The principal source of Buddhism’s rise throughout India can be found in Bihar, where the Buddha Temple Bodhgaya gained popularity from the very ancient  time. Bihar has a large number of tourists from all over the world. If you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend a tranquil time, Buddha Temple Bodhgaya, referred to as the Mahabodhi temple, is the ideal location to visit. It is the UNESCO that has acknowledged this temple as a World Heritage Site.

 

Bodh Gaya is a holy tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site associated with  the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya, Bihar, India. It is renowned for the spot in which Gautama Buddha is said to have ascended into enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.

History of Mahabodhi Temple: Buddha Temple Bodhgaya

buddha temple bodhgaya

Bodh Gaya is the place where Buddha was able to attain enlightenment, due to which this location is significant. There is the Bodhi tree that is where Buddha received his awakening. Emperor Ashoka is the very first one to recognize this sacred place. In 1949, this spot was declared a sacred site to offer Buddha worship.   

The Bodhi Tree under which Buddha became enlightened also falls in the Mahabodhi Complex. A lot of Buddhist monks are seen praying in front of the huge Buddha statue. They are able to read holy scriptures and contemplate God. There are many Buddhist monasteries within Bodh Gaya. The number of tourists increases in Bodh Gaya each year.

 

Bodh Gaya - Significance

 

According to Buddhism, Bodh Gaya is considered to be the most holy spot. It is situated on the banks of the Lilajan River and was known as Uruwela in the time of Buddha. King Ashoka built the first temple on this site. The Bodhi tree is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. UNESCO has declared this Mahabodhi Temple a World Heritage Site. The temple’s ground is a home to an 80-foot Buddha statue, also referred to by Mahabodhi Stupa. 

What to see in Bodh Gaya?

These are the top five places you must visit once you are there in Bodhgaya.Mahabodhi Temple

  • Bodhi Tree

  • Muchalinda Lake

  • Archaeological Museum

  • Dungeshwari Hills

Festivals in Bodh Gaya

buddha temple bodhgaya

It is believed that the Buddha Jayanti is the largest festival held here at the time of the full moon, usually in either April or May. The Buddha Mahotsav is another festival that takes place over three days, during which many religious rituals are performed. Mahakali Puja is also observed in a variety of monasteries just before the New Year. The festival is celebrated with the hope of eliminating any obstacles that hinder one’s life.

 

 

The best time to go to Buddha Temple

 

The opening hours of the temple are from 5 am until 9 pm. The ideal time to visit the Mahabodhi Temple is from October to April, as the weather stays mild and pleasant throughout the months.  

Summer Season

 

The summer season in Bodh Gaya begins in March and lasts until June, when temperatures increase above the required. Buddha Jayanti is a popular event in this period, bringing lots of tourists to the region even in the hot summer. The entire city is lit up with pomp and glitz to celebrate this Buddha festival.

Monsoon Season

 

The months from July through September are characterized by intense rainfall in Bihar; however, the weather remains enjoyable even in the heavy rains. This is believed to be an off-season period, which is why many travellers come to Bihar during this time to enjoy the sake of a low-cost excursion. Rain may hinder going to all the parts of the city. However, you’ll still be able to enjoy it to the fullest.

Winter Season

The winter months are the most popular time to travel, from October to March. Many tourists travel during this period. If you are visiting during this time, you’ll see a lot of Buddhist monks, which are enjoyable to see and it is the ideal time to visit

Conclusion

According to Buddhism, Buddha Temple Bodhgaya is considered to be the most holy spot. It is situated along the shores of the Lilajan River and was known as Uruwela in the time of Buddha. King Ashoka built the first temple on the spot. 

 

Bodh Gaya is the most important of the four major holy sites of the pilgrimage that are connected to Gautama Buddha’s life, the other three are Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. The Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Buddhism?

Buddhism is among the largest religions in the world. It began around 2,500 centuries ago in India. Buddhists believe that life on earth is one of pain and that meditative physical and spiritual work and good behavior are the means to reach Nirvana or Enlightenment.

How high is the Buddha statue in BodhGaya?

The statue measures 18.5 meters (61 feet) tall, which is the Buddha sitting in a meditative posture or the dhyana mudra. He is seated on a lotus in the open air. The size of the Buddha Temple Bodhgaya is 80 feet, the Buddha Statue is 64 feet tall, the lotus on which the Buddha is sitting is 5 feet high, and the pedestal below 10 feet.

What is the entrance fee for Buddha Temple Bodhgaya?

The Mahabodhi Temple complex is open from 5 am to 9 pm. There is no entrance cost. However, the cost of carrying a camera is Rs 100, whereas a video camera costs Rs 300. The park’s meditation area is stunning and remains open from sunrise to sunset.

 

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