Exploring the Spiritual Essence of Bodh Gaya: Must Visit Tourist Place

Bodh Gaya is a Buddhist pilgrimage place in Gaya District of Bihar. Bodh Gaya is famous for the Mahabodhi Temple, It was here under the Bodhi tree that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is now in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and many foreign countries, including Japan and China, have helped the Indian government in building facilities for the Buddhist pilgrims. Bodh Gaya is always bustling with pilgrims all through the year from India and abroad who come here to pay their homage in monasteries, temples and remnants of Bodhi Tree. Pilgrims as well as Buddhist monks from all around the world come here to witness the roots of the Bodhi tree, worship the great Buddha and feel the air of Buddhism that is present in every part of Bodh Gaya.

Filled with plenty of monasteries and temples that were built by several Buddhist communities across the world, Bodh Gaya has a spiritual aura on not just the place but the people living here. Bodh Gaya is at its spiritual best during the time of Buddha Jayanti and the three-week festival for world peace when the town is flooded with tourists from every part of the world. Bodh Gaya was earlier known as Uruwela. It was also known as Sambodhi, Vajrasana or Mahabodhi until the 18th century CE. Bodh Gaya is one of the four important Buddhist sites that include: Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath.

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya

The Mahabodhi temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site present in Bodhgaya, Bihar. It is a Buddhist temple which marks the location where the Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The temple is spread over an area of 4.8 hectares and is 55 meters tall. The Bodhi Tree is present to the left of the temple and is believed to be the direct descendant of the actual tree under which Lord Gautam Buddha meditated and attained enlightenment and laid down his philosophy for life. Many monks and devotees perform countless prostrations to the tree. The architecture of the temple and its overall silence and peace will surely enchant you as you visit it.

Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya 
 

The Bodhi Tree, is perhaps the most prominent and respected sacred places in Buddhism because of the rich historical significance attached to it. Under this tree that Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who later became to be known as the Buddha, attained enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is a frequently visited destination spot by tourists and is one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The aura of the Bodhi tree and the temple complex in which this tree is located have attracted sages, meditators and yogis to it ever since the time of the Buddha. Bodh Gaya is also popular for its UNESCO World Heritage Site- the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, which is just beside the tree.

Muchalinda Lake, Bodh Gaya 
 

The Muchalinda Lake is located next to the main temple it is a popular site at Bodh Gaya. The lake is associated with a mythological tale stating that Lord Buddha was protected from the storm by Snake King Muchalinda. The lake is also known as lotus lake and houses a statue of lord Buddha in center which attracts visitors here. 

Royal Bhutan Monastery, Bodh Gaya

The Royal Bhutan Monastery was built by the King of Bhutan as a dedication to Lord Buddha. Clay carvings are seen on the interior walls of the monastery that depict different aspects of the Buddhist culture. The monastery attracts millions of Buddhists from all over the world featuring significant moments from the life of Gautama Buddha as clay carvings. Buddhism can be studied and practiced there in peace.

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, Bodh Gaya

The Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist culture and Japanese architecture, this temple was built in 1972 with the help of International Buddhist communities. The structure of the temple is carved out of wood and it looks like a Japanese shrine. The Temple also showcases a lot of Japanese paintings narrating events from the life of Gautasm Buddha.