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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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