|
Explore Bodhgaya
|
||||||||||
|
Bodhgaya Introduction |
||||||||||
|
The life of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is associated with the
small town of Bodhgaya. It is one of the four holiest cities of Buddhist
faith. The Mahabodhi temple is the main attraction of this town and is
located near the spot where Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment.
Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center, but it is also an
important center for the study of Buddhism. |
||||||||||
|
Facts and Figures |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
Bodhgaya History |
||||||||||
|
The history of this small town is associated with Buddhism since ancient
times. The region around Bodhgaya formed the part of the first small
kingdoms of India in the 7th century BC. It came into limelight in 6th
century BC, when a local prince Siddharth (also known as Gautam) renounced
all material possession and, after practicing rigorous penances for years,
attained Enlightenment or Nirvana under a Bodhi (Bo) tree here. After
gaining Enlightenment, Gautam became Buddha (The Enlightened One) and spread
his message of love and peace. To mark the spot where Gautam Buddha had
attained Enlightenment, the great Mauryan ruler King Ashoka built a small
shrine here in the 3rd century BC. Subsequent rulers left their mark on this
shrine, which finally took the shape of the Mahabodhi temple that still
stands. |
||||||||||
|
How to Reach Bodhgaya |
||||||||||
|
Air: The nearest airport is at Patna, 198 kms away. Rail: Gaya is the nearest railhead at 13 kms.
Road:The main bus stand in Bodhgaya is behind the Mahabodhi Temple
and there are regular buses to Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi. Auto
rickshaws move between Gaya and Bodhgaya also. |
||||||||||
|
Best Season to Visit Bodhgaya |
||||||||||
| The best time to visit Bodhgaya is during winter (October-February). |
