The tourist attractions in Bodhgaya are associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.Bodhgaya is in Central Bihar is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world.

History of Bodhgaya

The small town of Bodhgaya came into prominence in the 6th century with Buddha's enlightenment or Nirvana under a Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya. Gautama Buddha whose original name was Siddharth was a local prince who renounced all worldly possessions and princely status in his quest for truth and the meaning of life. Gautama became Buddha, the Enlightened One and went on to spread his message of love and peace to mankind. Therefore Bihar is rightly considered the birthplace of Buddhism. Significantly, the state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning monasteries, which abounded in Bihar. Several centuries after Buddha's passing away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed tremendously towards the revival and spread of Buddhism by building monasteries, which have now attained the status of historical tourist attractions in Bodhgaya.These sites have helped in tracing the life of Buddha and his teachings.

Attractions in Bodhgaya

In the 3rd century, the great Mauryan ruler King Ashoka built a small shrine at the spot where Buddha had got enlightenment. Subsequent rulers left their mark on this shrine, which finally took the shape of the famous Mahabodhi temple. This magnificent temple stands to the east to the Bodhi Tree. The architecture of the temple is symbolic as it is designed to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve human misery and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life. In the main sanctum inside the temple, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. Buddha is believed to have attained supreme enlightenment in this posture.

There are a large number of stupas of all sizes in the courtyard of the temple. Built in the past 2500 years, most of them are elegant. The temple has ancient railings as old as the first century BC. Animesh Lochan Chaitya is important as the place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week looking toward the great Bodhi tree where he eventually received enlightenment. Under the Bodhi Tree one can find the Vajrasana, a stone platform on which Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation. Chankramana marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's wanderings following his enlightenment. Legend has it that wherever Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up. Ratnagarh is another place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week when five colors came out of his body.

Other tourist attractions of Bodhgaya are the Sun Temple famous for its "chat festival" in the month of October-November, Pretshila Hill which overlooks a pond where people go for 'Pind Dan', performance of rites for departed souls. On top of the hill is the Ahilya Bai Temple, which has magnificent sculptures and the Barabar Caves, which are carved out of rocks depicting the life of Buddha.

Excursions From Bodhgaya

Excursions can be made from Bodhgaya to neighboring places like Gaya, an important spiritual destination for Hindus. The main pilgrimage center in Gaya is the Vishnu Temple. Legend has it that this temple was built on Lord Vishnu's footsteps. It is also believed by Hindus that if the final rights are performed in Gaya, the departed soul goes to heaven. Nalanda, a center of ancient learning is located 50 kms from Bodhgaya.It was from Nalanda that Buddhism spread to other South-East Asian and Far-east countries. Rajgir where Buddha had spent a major part of his life is famous for its rock cut temples, forts and Buddhist ruins.

Events and Festivals in BodhGaya

Tourists and pilgrims looking for spiritual upliftment would benefit from the regular conventions and discourses organized by the meditation institutes of Bodhgaya.Religious festivals. Buddha Purnima is the most important Buddhist festival celebrated in Bodh Gaya.

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