Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya | History, Timing and How to reach

Located in Bodhgaya, Bihar, the Mahabodhi temple—also known as the “Great Awakening Temple”—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site of the alleged enlightenment of the Lord Buddha is marked by a Buddhist temple. Since he is thought to be the ninth and most recent incarnation of Lord Vishnu to have lived on Earth, Lord Buddha has a particularly special place in Indian religious history. The temple is 55 meters high and covers an impressive 4.8 hectares.

Located to the temple’s left, the Bodhi tree is thought to be a direct descendant of the tree where Lord Gautam Buddha meditated, became enlightened, and established his life philosophy. Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in order to find serenity and seclusion from battle and conquests, and he constructed the first temple.

History of Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

Around 260 BC, the great Ashoka made a visit to Bodh Gaya. He built a modest temple by a tree during his stay, which was the Bodhi tree, which Gautam Buddha sat beneath when he became enlightened. According to an inscription from the first to the second century, a new temple was constructed in lieu of the one constructed by Emperor Ashoka. Numerous devotees and monks are observed doing innumerable prostrations to the tree. Some monks are reported to perform up to one million prostrations at once as part of this purifying practice. You will be mesmerised by the temple’s architecture as well as by its general tranquilly and quiet.

The hamlet of Bodh Gaya, which lies 72 miles south of the state capital of Bihar in northeastern India, is home to the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. It is situated in the Gangetic Plain, south of the Ganges, India’s most well-known river, and close to the Phalgu River. The entire complex, which consists of the main shrine, the monastery, the Bodhi Tree, the Mahabodhi Temple, and numerous other buildings that have been built over the years, is referred to as the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.

During Buddha’s lifetime, Bodh Gaya was a tiny community. A modest temple is thought to have stood at the location of the Bodhi Tree ever since he founded the religion. Since the Buddha’s lifetime, Buddhists have gathered at the location to honour, worship, and contemplate. There were religious and spiritual uses for the Mahabodhi location. The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is significant in general because it is the location of the Buddha’s enlightenment and one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

The Bodhgaya Site and the Bodhi Tree

Siddhartha Gautama used meditation to achieve enlightenment in 400 BC. Under a fig tree in the village of Bodh Gaya, he practiced meditation. Here, he became the Buddha and attained enlightenment, founding Buddhism as a new religion. The fig tree under which Buddha meditated came to be known as the Bodhi Tree because the Sanskrit term for enlightenment is bodhi. The Diamond Throne, a platform connected to the Mahabodhi Temple, served as a marker for this hallowed location. Emperor Asoka, Buddhism’s first and greatest sponsor, ordered it built in 250 BC. The Diamond Throne is still affixed to the temple today, and it is situated adjacent to what is thought to be a direct descendant of the first Bodhi tree.

Meditating At Mahabodhi Temple Complex

In order to concentrate and de-stress, the monks at this temple take seats beneath the banyan tree or close to stupas. In order to focus inward rather than outward, one must explore this area and sit down on the green grass with a wooden board. You will eventually drift into a more profound realm away from the outside activity, accompanied by the sound of birds singing and the scent of incense sticks. Additionally, there is a meditation garden with two enormous prayer bells, group area, and fountains. People are drawn to this temple and return time and time again because of its atmosphere.

Best Time To Visit Mahabodhi Temple

The Mahabodhi Temple is a year-round destination for pilgrims, regardless of the weather. But if we focus on the weather specifically, November through February are the ideal months to visit the temple because of the mild temperatures. You can use this classification to aid in your travel planning.

Timings & Entry Fee At Mahabodhi Temple

Every day, the temple is open from five in the morning until nine at night. Additionally, there are two chanting sessions: one at 5:30 am and one at 6 evening. The temple does not charge admission. They do, however, charge INR 300 for video cameras and INR 100 for cameras. The meditation park is available from sunrise to sunset and may need a small admission fee.

Additionally, in order to keep the temple peaceful, cell phones and other technological gadgets are not permitted inside. The luggage desk at the entrance is where the gadgets can be left.

Time Required : 2-3 hrs

Entry Fee : No entry fee except the ones charged for camera and video equipment