The main center of Buddhism’s emergence in India is Bihar with Buddha Temple gaining popularity since times immemorial. Bihar attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. If you are looking for a place to enjoy some peaceful time, Buddha Temple referred to as the Mahabodhi temple is the best place to visit. This temple has been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Mahabodhi Temple
Bodh Gaya is the place where Buddha got his enlightenment because of which this place has its importance. There is a Bodhi tree under which Buddha got his enlightenment. Emperor Ashoka was the first person to mark this religious site. In the year 1949, this place was marked as a place for Buddha worship and became famous.
The place of the Bodhi tree has been made into the Mahabodhi temple complex. Many Buddhist monks can be seen praying at the foot of the enormous Buddha statue. They spend their time reading holy scriptures and spend it contemplating God. There are hundreds of Buddhist monasteries in Bodh Gaya. The number of visitors is increasing to Bodh Gaya every year.
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What to see in Bodh Gaya
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple is the holy shrine of Buddha which opens at 5 am and starts from chanting prayers and meditation is held at around 6 am. The other temples present here show a significant architectural design that looks phenomenal. The Thai Temple cannot be missed out because of its shimmering gold structure. The 8-foot granite and sandstone of Buddha is a must-see. It took around 7 years to complete with 12,000 people to make in the process.
There are many other places near Mahabodhi Temple which cannot be missed out on. Some of these are listed as under:
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Bodhi Tree
The Bodhi tree has a lot of significance as Buddha got his enlightenment under this tree. The heart-shaped leaves of this tree explain it all. The Bodhi day is celebrated on December 8 and is Buddhists from all over the world come to this place. This tree is itself a blessing and if you pray with your heart out, you will surely get your wishes fulfilled.
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Archeological Museum
This Museum was built in 1956 and is a must-visit when you are in the Mahabodhi complex. It has many statues made of terracotta items. There are idols of many Hindu Gods in gold, silver, and bronze. There are statues of Buddha in different shapes that attract many people. If you are a history lover, then these various statues will be a treat for you to watch.
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Muchalinda Lake
This Lake is located just next to the Mahabodhi Temple. Mythology has it that when Buddha was meditating there was a huge storm once. Then Snake King Muchalinda emerged and protected him. There is a structure depicting the incident in the lake itself. This place is very serene and provides you with all positive vibes.
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Dungeswari Hills
Dungeswari Hills is a famous place for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. An idol of Buddha is made of gold in Dungeswari Hills along with an idol of Goddess Dungeswari. The hills are a treat to watch and are located away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Meditation courses in Bodh Gaya
There are many meditation courses in Bodh Gaya and you can take up one when in this place. The Root Institute for Wisdom Culture provides courses on Tibetan traditions that take place every year. For those 10 days residents, Vipassana Meditation is perfect as it goes for 10 long days. Some Buddha monasteries also conduct these courses.
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Where and what to eat in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya offers you both range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. From Thai to continental you will find it all here. It provides a wide range of coffee and cakes to suit your taste buds. Try out Tibetan food at Tibetan Om Café or The Nirvana Veg Café at the Thai temple. There are many stalls located on the streets which provide cheap and reasonable food.
Where to stay at Bodh Gaya
If you are looking for some cheap places to stay, you can try out the Bodh Gaya monastery guesthouses where the rooms are maintained decently. The Bhutanese Monastery is also a place to stay which has quiet rooms with garden settings that can be viewed from each room. One can also stay at the Root Institute which is situated at the Mahabodhi Temple only.
If you are wanted to experience something different, try staying at Kudaan Bazaar Guesthouse or Tara Guest House which is popular among tourists. Hotel Bodh Gaya Residency gives some of the amazing views of the Bodh Gaya temple.
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Festivals in Bodh Gaya
The Buddha Jayanti is the largest festival celebrated here during the full moon in April or May. Buddha Mahotsav is another festival celebrated for 3 days on which many religious performances can be seen. Maha Kali Puja is celebrated in different monasteries before New Year. This festival is celebrated in the hope to remove all obstacles from one’s life.
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Best time to visit Buddha Temple
The timings of the temple are from 5 am to 9 pm. The best time to visit Mahabodhi Temple is from October to April as the weather remains moderate and pleasant during these months. You should keep in mind the pleasant months to prepare for the perfect holiday.
Summer Season
Summer months in Bodh Gaya start from March to June and the temperatures rise above needed. Buddha Jayanti can be witnessed during this time which attracts a lot of people to this area even during the scorching heat. The entire city is decorated with pomp and show for the Buddha festival.
Monsoon Season
July to September experience heavy rainfalls in Bihar but the climate remains pleasant even with the rains. This season is considered to be an off-season time so, many visitors visit during this time for a budget-friendly trip. Rains might stop you from visiting all parts of the city but you will still enjoy it to your level best.
Winter Season
The winter season is the peak time from November to February. Many visitors travel during this time. If you visit during this time, you can get a glimpse of many Buddhist monks which is a delight to watch. This season is the best for sightseeing.
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How to reach Bodh Gaya?
By Air
The nearest airport is the Gaya Airport which is around 17 km from the main city of Bodh Gaya. You can take either a taxi or bus to the main city. Mahabodhi Temple has located around 25 km from the airport.
By Road
It is very easy to reach Mahabodhi temple by road as there are continuous transport systems of buses and taxis. One can take their cars or simply get on any luxury or standard buses that move over different states.
By Train
The Gaya Railway Junction is the nearest railway station to Bodh Gaya. Once you are out of the station, you can find many taxis that will take you to Mahabodhi Temple. The temple is located around 30 minutes from the station.
Bodh Gaya is a perfect destination for those who want to get close to God and nature. Take off your shoes whenever you enter the Mahabodhi Temple complex as a mark of respect. Always prefer wearing ill-fitting clothes while you visit Bodh Gaya. The town is a small one which can be explored on foot.
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