Where Buddha Attained Nirvana
Out of the four major holy sites in this world for Buddhism, Bodh Gaya is the most important site where Buddha attained Nirvana or ascended to the highest truth. Bodh Gaya is also associated with a number of other significant Buddhist monuments and places like the Bodhi tree and Mahabodhi Temple, etc. It is situated in Bihar, a northern State of India. Bodh Gaya is the symbol of the beginning of the path of Buddhism and is the place where Buddha attained Nirvana, i.e. the true meaning of life through attaining enlightenment.
Moreover, It is also the location in which Gautama Buddha decided to instruct all living beings the wisdom of knowledge that he gained through Nirvana. Indian Buddhism is considered the oldest Buddhist tradition that influences numerous other Buddhist traditions in different Asian Buddhist countries, namely Nepal Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Vajrayana Buddhism. A variety of Buddhist styles and practices across many of the Asian nations are influenced in some way or another through Indian Buddhism
History: How & Where Buddha Attained Nirvana
After leaving the palace, Prince Siddhartha performed austerity, but afterwards, he realized that he could not discover any truth or meaning about the purpose of death, life and rebirth. When he did not gain anything through these practices, these actions made him weak, so he ultimately sat down under the Bodhi tree of Bodh Gaya. Then he realized and preferred to meditate instead of undergoing such practices.
Furthermore, he was presented with milk and rice by a girl from the area named Sujata, who was walking by the young prince. After receiving the offerings of Sujata, the Lord Buddha decided to sit under the Bodhi tree until he reached the level of Enlightenment. The offerings that Sujata made are believed to be the turning point towards the attainment of Nirvana, and Buddha finally achieved enlightenment. Henceforward, Bodh Gaya was considered one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage places around the globe, with the three other sites such as Lumbini(birth of Buddha), Sarnath(First teachings of Buddha) and Kushinagar(death of Buddha).
There is also another significant story for Bodh Gaya. The moment Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana, Mara, who is a demon of illusion, attempted to deceive Lord Buddha so that he could not reach the truth of death, life and rebirth. Then, Lord Buddha touches the earth to invoke witnesses, i.e. Goddess Earth, that helped him to reach this absolute truth. This Buddha pose is described by the term Earth Touching Mudra, and various designs of Buddha statues are found in Buddhist sculptures. When witnesses were called upon, Lord Buddha broke through the deceit created by the Mara demon, and ultimately, the Mara demon, along with his army of demons, escaped away from there.
What is Nirvana in Buddhism?
Nirvana is a state where you can experience absolute peace and happiness, similar to heaven. In Buddhism, Nirvana is the most enlightened state one could achieve, a state of spiritual awakening. It means that one’s personal desires and pain disappear.
The word “nirvana” is a reference to spiritual awakening and comes from a Sanskrit word meaning extinction, the disappearance of the individual to the universal. Attaining Nirvana is nothing but to make earthly emotions like pain and desire disappear. It can take many years of meditation to achieve Nirvana.Nirvana is the removal of all illusions, specifically the deep-rooted illusion that is “I”. It is described as the state that is Unborn, Unoriginated, and Unformed.
“Nirvana is the ultimate happiness’ ‘ or in Sanskrit Niibbanam Paramam Sukham. Nirvana is a notion that is deeply rooted in Eastern spirituality and philosophical practices and represents the ultimate aim of spirituality, which is a state of freedom away from pain and suffering, as well as the cycles of death and birth.
Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained Nirvana
To the left side of Mahabodhi Temple, there lies a Bodhi tree, which is a major symbol of Buddhism. It marks the location where the original Bodhi tree was once situated beneath which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment. For over a month, Siddhartha meditated under the sacred fig tree in Bodhgaya. Every year, on the 8th of December, Buddhist followers across the globe observe Bodhi Day, a celebration of Buddha’s enlightenment under Bodhi. Bodhi tree. The current Bodhi tree is believed to be the fifth generation of the tree that was originally planted. The tree is surrounded by exquisitely carved votive stupas as well as Buddhist meditation halls as well as a variety of sculptures depicting Lord Buddha.
One can spot Buddhist monks seated in tranquility and reading or contemplating. There is a legend that states that Emperor Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitta took a branch of the first Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya and planted it in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This Bodhi tree remains in existence and is believed to be the oldest tree that has been continuously documented around the globe. The present Bodhi plant located in Bodh Gaya is believed to originate from the sapling of one located in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Bodhgaya, a small town located in Bihar that falls under the Gaya District is a place where Buddha attained Nirvana. Buddha was born into an aristocratic family that had all the amenities. Later, over time, he made the decision to give up everything he had to discover the answers to the human struggle. He ascended to enlightenment while meditating in the Bodhi tree and later taught his teachings with the assistance of his sangha throughout the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
From which country did the original Buddha belong?
The original Buddha is a native of the present day Nepal. He lived in both Nepal as well as India as a spiritual guide. He walked through the region, teaching the Dharma.
What do the Buddhists say about Buddhism?
Buddhists believe that the path of enlightenment is the best way to stop their suffering as humans. They admit that the path to enlightenment lies in morality as well as wisdom and meditation.
What is the name of the place where Buddha attained Nirvana?
He achieved nirvana at the age of 35 in Bodh Gaya, falling under the Gaya district of Bihar. He made the decision to seek spiritual awakening after battling an evil spirit known as Mara.
