5 Things to Do in The Spiritual Land of Buddha Bodh Gaya
Buddha’s message of peace and non-violence has been reverberating in the world for aeons. Teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama or Gautama Buddha who lived around 450 BCE are followed by Buddhists in major countries of the world like India, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and so on. Born in a royal family, prince Siddhartha left palace life behind and attained the ultimate nirvana in Bodh Gaya, the modern-day Bihar state of India. Bodh Gaya is the holiest site for Buddhists in the world and hosts a Maha Bodhi temple complex with viharas, monasteries, and temples. Devotees from all over the world can get the best last minute flights from Flyopedia directly to Bodh Gaya international airport and land in the revered spiritual land.
Situated on the banks of the Phalgu river, a tributary of Ganges, Bodh Gaya located in the Gaya district of the Indian state of Bihar is a holy site where tourists and devotees can visit multiple important locations. Let us take a look at things to do in the holiest pilgrimage site of Buddhism, a place visited by pilgrims and tourists all year long.
Mahabodhi Temple- A UNESCO World Heritage Site:
King Ashoka, a ruler of the Mauryan dynasty and a follower of Buddhism marked the spot of Buddha’s enlightenment by building a shrine in around 230 BCE. The king also placed a stone slab, which is known as the Vajrasana or the ‘Enlightenment Throne of the Buddha’ or the ‘Diamond Throne’ right at the spot under the tree where Buddha meditated. Later rulers like the Sungas also added columns around the ‘Diamond Throne’. Even the railings around the temple date back to 150 BCE
The current pyramidal structure of Mahabodhi Temple or the ‘Great Awakening Temple’ or the ‘Mahabodhi Mahavira’ is believed to be from the Gupta empire- 5th – 6th BCE. The temple is considered one of the oldest temples in India which is made of bricks.
The original structure has seen major restorations. The Mahabodhi temple complex contains two 55 m high towers. The towers feature multiple layers of niches, detailed engravings, and niches. The stylistic elements of Buddhist architecture have continued in later Hindu and Jain temples in India. Visit the serene spiritual center of Buddhism. Book cheap best last minute flights to Bodh Gaya to pay respects to the Buddha.
The Mahabodhi tree:
The ancient Mahabodhi tree is located near the temple. A descendant of the original Bodhi tree, the Ficus Religiosa/ Fig tree is revered for the spot under which the Buddha sat meditating for days and attained enlightenment.
Muchalinda Sarovar / Lake:
Muchalinda Sarovar is located next to the temple. The story of the Sarovar is legendary. It is believed that when Gautama Buddha was meditating, there was a severe thunderstorm for days but he didn’t move. The snake king ‘Muchakinda’ witnessed this and came out from behind him, protecting him with his hood from the heavy rainfall. The motif of Buddha meditating under the protection of the hood is prominent in Buddhist art and iconography.
There is a structure placed right in the center of the lake which depicts Buddha meditating under the hood. The lake sees tourists all year long. Located amidst lush greenery, the peaceful lake is open from 5 AM to 9 PM. The serene spot is just 1.5 km away from the Bodh Gaya bus station. International tourists can find discount deals and book international flight tickets online.
The Great Buddha Statue:
The grand statue is visited by tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. The 80 feet high structure was built in 1989 and the 14th Dalai Lama came to consecrate it. More than 12,000 stonemasons took 7 years to build the majestic statue.
Made of sandstone and red granite blocks, the structure depicts Buddha sitting in the Dhyana Mudra pose of meditation. The statue is placed over a lotus. Tourists from South East Asia can book direct flights to Gaya International Airport in Bihar. Find the cheapest business class flights with Flyopedia and make a memorable visit to the spiritual land of Bodh Gaya.
Tibetan Monastery/ Temple:
Located near the Mahabodhi temple, this Tibetan temple was built in 1938. The monastery houses a 10 m high Dharmachakra/ Wheel of Law painted in red and golden colors. The calm and peaceful monastery depicts the images of Maitreya Buddha, the future incarnation of Lord Buddha.
The temple holds many old Tibetan scriptures and Buddhist symbols. The temple remains open for the general public from 7 AM to 6 PM.
How to reach Bodh Gaya in Bihar?
Devotees and travelers, especially from South East Asian countries like Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka visit pilgrimage sites all year long to pray and meditate in the holy land of Buddha.
International tourists can easily reach the holy pilgrimage site as there is an international airport just 7 km away from Bodh Gaya- Gaya International Airport. Go online to find the best last minute flights to Bodh Gaya, and plan a pilgrimage.
The Indian Railway started a special train for Buddhist sites called Mahaparinirvan Express. Pilgrims can book the train and conveniently visit all the major sites.
The location is 3.5 hour drive from Patna, the state capital, and 6 hour drive from Varanasi.
The word ‘Buddha’ literally means ‘enlightened’. Buddha preached about reincarnation or the cyclical nature of life and birth, and gave an eightfold path to set the wheel of the dharma in motion to attain Nirvana (freedom from the cycle of birth and death). One of the major religions in India, the peaceful Buddhist community is spread worldwide.
