Buddham saranam gacchami
Dhammam saranam gacchami
Sangham saranam gacchami
(I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in dharma, I take refuge in virtue…)
Whenever we listen to these sacred words, a sense of peace dawns upon us. This mantra, known to believers worldwide, provides comfort, something similar to what one feels when visiting the Mahabodhi Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is nestled in the serene town of Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It stands as a testament to the Buddhist legacy and marks the very spot where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, thousands of years ago.
Mahabodhi Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a spiritual pilgrimage that draws devotees and visitors from across the globe. Its ancient architecture, intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere create a haven for introspection and meditation. The Mahabodhi Temple is truly an embodiment of the Buddha’s teachings. So, join us as we explore this stunning temple.
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the four holy sites related to the Lord Buddha; the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath. It holds deep spiritual significance since its rooted in the life of the Buddha. Born in Lumbini, Nepal, Siddhartha was raised as a young prince. However, at the age of twenty-nine, his life took a turn. Driven by compassion for the suffering of humanity, Siddhartha ventured to the banks of the Phalgu river near Gaya, where he meditated under a Bodhi tree. After three days and nights, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. After this, he spent seven weeks near the Bodhi tree, reflecting on this experience. The Mahabodhi Temple is built in the very place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
Whether you fall in love with the intricate details of the temple’s architecture or wish to learn more about Buddha’s enlightenment, a visit to the Mahabodhi Mahavihara is a must. It is a journey into the heart of Buddhist heritage. Nestled in the town of Bodh Gaya, the Mahabodhi Mahavihara, also known as the Bodhgaya Temple, welcomes visitors with its beauty and spiritual significance. This sacred site was erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is one of the 84,000 shrines he built across India dedicated to spreading the teachings of Buddhism.
As you step into the expansive 4.8 hectare grounds of the Mahabodhi Temple complex, you will surely be drawn to the towering 55 meter main temple, adorned with intricate designs. Facing eastwards, the main shrine houses a gold-plated statue of Gautam Buddha. You can access this sanctum through a narrow passage. As you step inside, you will be transported into a realm of timeless beauty. The walls of the temple are created entirely using bricks, showcasing early Buddhist craftsmanship. Over centuries, many additions and renovations have been made to the structure by foreign kings.
Indeed, visitors can spend hours inside the temple complex, marvelling at its magnificence and soaking in the positivity.
One of the most important aspects of this sacred place is the giant Bodhi Tree. This tree is believed to be the descendant of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims from all corners of the world come to sit beneath its leafy branches, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere and contemplating the teachings of the Buddha. Here, you can meditate, reflect and pray for personal or world peace. This tree is a living symbol of enlightenment and the path to inner peace for many.
Your visit to Bodh Gaya is incomplete without paying a visit to the Buddha Statue near the Mahabodhi Temple. This is a magnificent statue standing at an impressive 61 ft. This statue depicts the Buddha seated in a meditation pose, known as the dhyana mudra, atop a lotus. This beautiful statue was designed by V Ganapati Sthapati and took seven years to complete. This is the largest Buddha statue in India and was unveiled in 1989 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Interestingly, as you approach this statue, you pass 10 smaller sculptures that represent the Buddha’s disciples. The ambience is truly calming and beautiful. You can spend time here admiring the great statue and finding inspiration and reflecting on the wisdom of Buddhism.
Make sure you visit the Muchalinda Lake, named after the Snake King of the lake, Muchalinda. According to legend, during the Buddha’s sixth week of meditation, a storm erupted. Muchalinda, the guardian deity of the lake, emerged from the depths of the lake to provide cover for Buddha and ensured that he was not disturbed during his meditation. Today, people come from all over the world to enjoy the serene ambience of this lake.
The Mahabodhi Temple is celebrated not only for its stunning architecture but also as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment. Drawing pilgrims from across the globe for centuries, it provides a spiritual journey into the heart of the Buddhist legacy.
The best time to visit the Mahabodhi Temple is during the winter months, from October to March.
The main attractions of the complex are the Mahabodhi Temple, the sacred Bodhi Tree and the Buddha Statue.
Visitors and devotees can meditate under the Bodhi Tree, explore the architecture of the Mahabodhi Temple and participate in prayer sessions conducted by the monks.
Bodh Gaya is well-connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Gaya Airport, while Gaya Junction is the closest railway station.
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