Friday, May 20, 2016

Bodhgaya where Buddha attained enlightenment


From the last few years I have been visiting more of Buddhist monasteries. I have a huge list of Buddha related places I have visited. But I always wanted to visit two Places which are significant for Buddha. Bodhgaya where he enlightened and Lumbini where he was born. I got a chance to visit Bodhgaya recently.
Bodhgaya is a small town 70 kms from Patna in the state of Bihar in India. Probably this place has taken a shape of a town after the rise of shops,  hotels and restaurants around Bodhgaya temple complex. This is a pilgrimage center for Buddhists. This is believed to be the place of Buddha’s enlightenment under Bodhi tree.
I reached there in the evening. Temple complex was bustling with people. It was more of international crowd. I avoided the guides who were offering to show 6 sites in the complex and opted to explore myself. The path ahead took me to security check. Here security is very strict they don’t even allow to take any bag. Only camera can be taken after paying for Camera fee.
Mahabodhi temple, Bodhgaya
The first view is of the temple which is the tallest structure in entire Bodhgaya. It is visible from all the corners of the town. It has taken its current shape over the years. The structure looked pretty new may be few decades. However, I was told the temple was built in Gupta period and had gone through several restorations.


I was looking for Bodhi tree around. There are many but was sure they were not  ‘ The Bodhi tree’ as there was no crowd. I followed the people walking with devotion. It lead to inside of the temple. Gold coated Buddha’s statue was the focus of the temple. The design of people tree leaf on the ceiling of the statue was very nice. The yellow robe with the leaf design is for sale in all the shops to offer to Buddha. Apart from the statue there is nothing much inside. There was stairs leading to upper floor but it was closed.


After coming out of the temple I followed another set of devotees around the temple. I was excited to see the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Isn’t it something I have been reading from the childhood and was even looking forward to sit under the tree to feel the vibes.
Mabodhi tree, Bodhgaya
All around the temple there are small idols on the wall showing different  forms of Buddha. Exactly behind the temple is the Bodhi tree, not the original but apparently 5th generation of the tree. The vajrasan or the place where Buddha mediated and attained enlightenment 2600 years ago is completely surrounded all around by railing. On one side there is temple wall curbing the growth of the tree. I felt suffocating looking at the tree as there was  no space for tree to breath. It is leaned towards one side spreading its shelter to the devotees in mediation. The devotees around the tree were largely international. There were many small groups in white clothes and monks in saffron/red robes chanting in different languages and there were masters teaching in different languages. I could make out Japanese, Thailand and a small group of Indians. Under the tree little away from the groups were monks  busy in prostration on a wooden plank which is a typical view in any Buddhist place. I sat there for some time to feel the place. It was a nice evening with good vibes around. But the thought about the tree didn’t go away from my mind. Mahabodhi temple society should have done something else to make the tree breath properly.

The whole temple complex is very vast with nice garden. Marigold flowers will add vibrant colors to the garden as it is the main flower used for worship apart from lotus.
Around the temple there are other important places which are considered as important from the point of Buddha’s enlightenment journey. In front of the main temple is the the board mentioning vatavriksh where Buddha meditated after enlightenment.
 There is a nice pond called muchalind sarovar .  In the centre is Buddha statue under the hood of the snake. Apparently, the snake Muchalind saved Buddha from unprecedented rain when Buddha was in meditation.
There is one more signboard   at the right of the entrance to the temple stating ‘ After enlightenment  the lord Buddha spent two weeks in meditation gazing unwinkingly at the Bodhi tree’.
There are many stupas inside the park. There is a meditation park as well. Stupas are decorated with water cups and marigold on top of that. The whole park is charged with meditative mood. For me it felt just like any other hindu temple complex with less noise. After one complete circumambulation of the  park I left the compelx but couldn’t take out Bodhi tree out of my mind.
Mahabodhi temple, Bodhgaya, Bihar

Notes
- Temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm
- Don't get confused with many pupil trees around the temple. It is right behind the main temple
- Bags are not allowed inside. Ensure to leave your belongings in the hotel or car.
- INR 100 will be charged to carry your camera at the entrance of the gate


Other related links you might want to read -
6 Buddha images from the world 

28 comments:

  1. Good description of the place..Will be really useful for tourists planning to visit. Keep up the good work!.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post, I especially liked your last image :-)
    You may like to also link to the Saturday Silhouettes meme:
    http://nixpixmix.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Saturday_Silhouette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Nick. I did try the link. But somehow couldn't get how to link !

      Delete
  3. very informative post American state|on behalf of me} as i'm perpetually craving for new content that may facilitate me and my data grow higher.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bodhgaya such a very beautiful and historical place. I really like this placed very much.Thanks for sharing this information about many tourist places of Bodhgaya. Very interesting post .... for visiting more places in Bodhgaya and Nearby, you can book our cab services ..: -https://www.bharattaxi.com/gorakhpur

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bodhgaya such a very beautiful and historical place. I really like this placed very much.Thanks for sharing this information about many tourist places of Bodhgaya you can book our cab services https://www.musafircab.com/gorakhpur

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's really interesting and well defined blog and heartly appreciated. Have well written and collection of images. Keep it up...
    Visit for us -
    Car Rental
    Cab Service
    Taxi Service
    Cab Booking
    Taxi Booking
    Car Hire

    ReplyDelete
  7. Government of India has launched electronic travel authorisation or eTA for India which allows citizens of 180 countries to travel to India without requiring a physical stamping on the passport. This new type of authorisation is called an eVisa India (or electronic India Visa). For More Detail: india visa for latvian citizens

    ReplyDelete
  8. Government of India has launched electronic travel authorisation or eTA for India which allows citizens of 180 countries to travel to India without requiring a physical stamping on the passport.This new type of authorisation is called an eVisa India (or electronic India Visa). For More Detail: india visa for japanese citizens

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post, I especially liked your last image.
    Vietnam will grant Vietnam Visa to citizens of 80 countries from July 1,2020, as per Resolution no. 79/NQ-CP. Details on the list of countries can be accessed here. While this is a positive sign. Vietnam's borders remain closed to foreign visitors due to the pandemic.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a really interesting and well-defined blog. Well written and a collection of images. Keep it up...
    The azerbaijan online visa or eVisa is a single entry electronic visa that allows eligible citizens to enjoy a short-term stay in Azerbaijan.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Superb and great article. Thanks for sharing this interesting and useful blog.Visit on - Flat No.-104, Patna Kallibari Road, Hemvilla Complex, Patna, Bihar 800001.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent blog,I am a regular visitor to your site and thank you for taking the time to maintain a great site. I will be a regular visitor for a long time. The turkey visa for americans is the must detail for getting the valid visa that can be issued to USA foreigners who wish to enter turkey by the process of how to apply for turkish visa with the requirements of turkey by applying online evisa and get the visa within days.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellet post.. Thank you.. After the applying for application and uploading documents for Azerbaijan visa, you have to make payment for Azerbaijan visa fee online with the payment card.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you The international travelers who traveling to Kenya need Kenya visa on arrival. That they can apply online and can get the 24*7 customer assistant.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great article this is really informative and innovative: with new updates.with new updates. It was really valuable. Thanks a lot. Travelers can easily apply online for evisa India. Thus the Government of India has provided an easy-to-use method to apply for visas through a simple online Indian visa application form.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello friends , Do you know what are India visa documents required? You can read What are the document requirements for Indian Visa on our website.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! I have read your article and it's so good I will share it with family and friends. I just informed the travelers that the Turkish evisa is easy to get through the online process. Travelers who wish to travel to Turkey can apply for it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I find this article is very informative and if you want to Buy Statues of Buddha then, check this out.

    ReplyDelete
  19. As a movie buff, your film recommendations in this blog are gold. Your diverse picks cater to various genres, making movie nights more exciting! Get all information about UK Standard Visitor Visa for Pakistan.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your blog post is a literary voyage, skillfully navigating the intricacies of intellect and emotion. Each sentence unfolds like a carefully orchestrated melody, forming a harmonious symphony of profound insight. Navigating your prose is akin to wandering through the corridors of wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul. It's storytelling at its zenith captivating, evocative, and a testament to your narrative prowess. A truly enriching experience.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your blog post unfolds as a literary treasure, embarking on an intellectual journey through the nuanced landscapes of knowledge. Each paragraph unveils a masterpiece, intricately weaving a tapestry of profound insights. Your eloquent navigation through complex topics is commendable, orchestrating a symphony of intellect and expression.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your blog consistently provides a delightful reading experience, seamlessly merging insightful knowledge with a concise and eloquent writing style. I am genuinely impressed by the depth of your analysis and how effortlessly you unravel intricate concepts.

    ReplyDelete