Bodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

Fact File

This World Heritage Site, is a place where under the Banyan tree, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It has emerged as a great Buddhist center.

Overview

The Bodhi Temple located in the Bodhgaya is a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It is believed that here only, Lord Buddha under the famous Banyan tree, attained enlightenment. Founded by the emperor Ashoka in 3rd century B.C., temple has the reflection of the Gupta architecture. Spread on 15mt square, Bodhi temple is 52mts in height. Statue of Buddha, in the pose of touching the earth is the main attraction of the temple and is said to be 1700 years old. Inside the temple, visitors can see a musuem, exhibiting a collection of Buddhist and Hindu relics, terracota seals, scriptures etc. Along the temple one can see monastery, a diamond throne, a canopy supported by pillars. The Banyan tree under which Lord Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment must be seen. One can see many temples, stupas, monasteries and medication centres around this holy temple.

Festivals

Ellora festival of classical dance and music is organised in the third week of March by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. It acts as a platform for the artists to show their talents by the performances. Renowned artists from all over the world, participate in this grand festival. It is awe-inspiring to look the magnificent caves during the festival.

Getting There

By Air : There is an airport in Aurangabad. It is linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

By Road : The excellent road network in Maharashtra links the caves of Ajanta and Ellora with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule.

By Rail : Aurangabad is linked to Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 kilometres from Ajanta.

Did You Know?

• The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the earliest temple constructions of India.
• The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the examples of early brick structures in the Indian sub-continent.
• The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the favourite haunts of Dalai Lama.
• The Bodhgaya Act of 1949, recognises the site as a Buddhist holy place.
• The Mahabodhi Society was founded in the year 1891.

Attractions

Aurangabad Caves

Located in the outskirts, the caves are carved out between the second century and the sixth century. These caves are famous for their architecture and intricate carvings. Among the twelve caves most fascinating are the Caves 3 and 7.

Ghrishneswar Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the jyotirlings. Built in the 18th century, it houses many shrines of gods such as Vishnu, Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati etc. Made of red sandstone, it also includes shrines of Mahabharata heroes.

Bibi - Ka - Maqbara

TBuilt in 1678, this monument is called the 'Taj of South India'. It is a mausoleum made by Prince Azam Shah, for his mother Begum Rabia Durani, wife of the Mughal Emperor Auranzeb. Visitors can see fantastic work of Mughal architecture here.

Daulatabad

Named by Mohammed Bin Tughlaq, it is located 13km away from Aurangabad and was earlier called Devgiri. Built in the 12th century, these fortress are crowned atop a hill. Known for the brilliant architecture, it served as the head quarters of the Yadava rulers.

Location

13km away from Gaya, in Bodhgaya, lies the famous Bodhi temple.

Best Time to Visit

It is best to visit these marvelous site in the month of October to March.