Bodhgaya

Having religious importance to the Buddhists, Bodhgaya lies 13 km south of Gaya, beside the river Phalgu. It was Bodhgaya where Lord Buddha sat under a peepal (Ficus religiosa) tree and attained nirvana or enlightenment. The descendant of that original tree still flourishes there today. This small and calm town is the most venerated sites in the world.

The founder of Buddhism, Lord Buddha's life is associated to this small town of Bodhgaya. Among the four holiest cities of Buddhist faith, Bodhgaya is the most important Buddhist pilgrim center. It is also an important center for the study of Buddhism.

Places associated with the life and times of Lord Buddha are located inside the Mahabodhi temple complex including the Bodhi Tree and a pond where it is believed that Lord Buddha mediated for few days.

The history of this small town is related to the origin and the history of Buddhism. Bodhgaya came into limelight in 6th century BC, when a local prince Siddharth (also known as Gautam), who left all material possession to practice rigorous penances for years and attained Enlightenment or Nirvana under a Bodhi (Bo) tree here. The Enlightened Gautam now became Buddha (The Enlightened One) and spread his message of love and peace. To mark the spot where Gautam Buddha had attained Enlightenment, the great Mauryan ruler King Ashoka built a small shrine here in the 3rd century BC. Following rulers left their mark on this shrine, thus it finally took the shape of the Mahabodhi temple that still stands tall.

The Mahabodhi Temple - Mahabodhi temple is a major attraction of this town and is located near the place where Lord Buddha achieved spiritual enlightenment. This temple of Bodh Gaya is one of the vital and holiest places of worship for the Buddhists. Apart from being a vital Buddhist center, it is also an important archaeological site. Buddhists and tourists from all over the world come down to Bodhgaya and visit this temple to study Buddhism and the art of meditation, or just to evidence the ever-so-pure aura of this enchanting place.

By Air - Newly started Gaya International Airport has now direct flights to Bangkok and Kolkata. Direct flights to New Delhi, Colombo, Singapore, and some other places in the South East Asia will start operating soon.

By Rail - Gaya is a major railhead, with trains to almost all the major cities of India. Annual Buddha Parikrama train is a new concept in pilgrimage tourism where the pilgrims from around the world visit all major places associated with Lord Buddha using a train with luxurious accommodation.

By Road - Nearest transport hub is Gaya (13 km), a major point on historical Grand Trunk Road (connecting to New Delhi and Kolkata).

Bodhi Tree - The tree under which Gautam Buddha did his meditation and attained enlightenment is situated in the west of the Maha Bodhi temple.

Bodhi Sarovar - In this pond Buddha took bath before going in for meditation. This pond is situated towards the west of Bodhi temple. The pond and the area surrounding it is very attractive and is worth visiting.

Chankamana - Towards North of the Bodhi Temple, is a platform with foot impressions of Buddha. There are many temples built by the people of various nations like Tibet, Japan, Thai, Sri Lank and Bhutan. These temples are also a major attraction for the tourists and devotees, who visit Bodh Gaya.