Best 6 Places To Visit In Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya, a quiet village, a peaceful religious site which is considered as the holiest pilgrimage site for buddhists. Bodh Gaya is situated near the river Niranjana in Bihar state. It is the birthplace of Buddhism as it is the place where Lord Buddha gained enlightenment over 2500 years ago and founded the way out of suffering and taught the Dhamma based on compassion, reason and universal truths shorn of ritual and superstition. This, the holiest amongst holy places of the Buddha world, and one of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha is 80 km from Rajgir. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which is located there, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment under what became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration for both Hindus and Buddhists. In particular, archaeological finds including sculptures show that the site was in use by Buddhists since the Mauryan period. Here are some places that you must see at least once in your life when you go to Bodh Gaya. 1. Mahabodhi Temple In Bodh Gaya, the Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it holds paramount significance. Mahabodhi Temple is one of the most important religious landmarks in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India. Within this revered sanctuary, visitors have the opportunity to behold several remarkable features, including the Main Temple, The Bodhi tree, the seven sacred places, and the Bodhi Sarovar. a. Main Temple The main temple within the complex is the focal point of pilgrimage and veneration for Buddhists worldwide. History Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya. He is considered to be the founder of The original Mahabodhi Temple. A stone railing was put up around the perimeter of the temple in the 1st century AD., the part of which still remains. In the 2nd century the shrine was replaced by the present Mahabodhi temple. Around 400 AD., the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hein recorded that the site contained several statues and monuments. The temple was refurbished in the Pala-Sena period (750-1200 AD), but after that it was deserted and fell into ruin. Mahabodhi was climbed bu Shaivite Hindus for a time. It was heavily restored by Sir Alexander Cunningham in the late 19th century and finally restored in 1882bby Burmese Buddhists. In 2002 UNESCO declared it as a “World Heritage Site”. The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built in brick that still survives today. The brickwork on the outside of the temple depicts scenes from Buddha life. – Bhumi Sparsha Mudra Inside the temple is a statue of Buddha called as Bhumi Sparsha Mudra also known as “Earth-touching gesture”. The statue is of black stone but it has been covered in gold and dressed in bright orange robes. This colossal image of seated Buddha is touching the earth with his right hand symbolizing his calling upon Mother Earth to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. B. Bodhi tree Adjacent to the temple stands the famous Bodhi tree also known as Mahabodhi Tree, Bo Tree. It is a large sacred fig tree (peepal tree) located in Bodh gaya, Bihar, India. One of the chief revered locations, is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In religious iconography, The Bodhi Tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. The tree itself is not the actual tree but a descendent of the original Bodhi tree. It is believed to be the sapling of the original Bodhi tree, which was taken away by King Ashoka’s daughter to Sri Lanka. It is agreed that the actual tree died and another was planted there using its sapling taken from Sri Lanka. Every time the tree was destroyed, a new tree was planted in the same place. The tree is 80 feet high and about 120 years old. The Forest Research Institute of India has assisted in the upkeep of the tree since 2007 and the Cloning has been considered in 2008. The tree’s leaves can be bought by the pilgrims as mementos. The Bodhi tree is located behind the main temple in Bodh Gaya. Despite the bustling surroundings, sitting beneath its branches brings a deep sense of calm and peace. Meditators find themselves embraced by a sense of tranquility. A captivating ritual unfolds as numerous devotees patiently await the descent of a single leaf from this revered tree. Though a lot of time may pass waiting for the leaf, those with unwavering composure often choose to selflessly share their prized leaf with fellow seekers. Such acts of altruism and serenity exemplify the profound impact this ancient symbol of enlightenment holds over those who gather in its presence. bodhi Day Bodhi Day is celebrated on 8th December for Buddha’s enlightenment underneath the Bodhi Tree. Devotees greet each other by saying “Budu Saranai!” which means “may the peace of Buddha be yours.” Special meals are served, especially heart-shaped cookies (referencing the heart-shaped leaves of the Bodhi) and a meal of Kheer (dessert made of rice and milk rich in dry fruits) which is the Buddha’s first meal ending his six-year asceticism. bodhi Puja Bodhi Puja translates to “the veneration of Bodhi-tree”. It is the ritual to worship the Bodhi tree and the deity residing on it known as Rukkhadevata in Pali and Vrikshadevata in Sanskrit. It is done by giving various offerings such as food, water, milk, lamps, incense, etc. (which is later then shared with the devotees so that it does not get wasted) and chanting the verses of glory of Bodhi tree in Pali. The most common verse is: “Ime ete mahabodhi lokanathena pujita ahampi te namassami bodhi raja namatthu te.” c. Seven Sacred Places There are Seven Sacred Places one must see when they visit the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. …
