Bodh Gaya - Buddha, Mahabodhi Tree and the land of Nirvana
In Bihar's Gaya District is the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya. Known for the Mahabodhi Temple, Gautama Buddha obtained enlightenment here beneath the Bodhi tree.
It is currently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other foreign nations, such as China and Japan, have assisted the Indian government in constructing facilities for Buddhist pilgrims. All year long, the area is teeming with pilgrims from India and other countries who come to pay their respects in the monasteries, temples, and remains of the Bodhi tree.
Located near the river Neranjana, Bodh Gaya was earlier known as Uruwela. It was also known as Sambodhi, Vajrasana or Mahabodhi until the 18th century CE. It is one of the four important Buddhist sites that include: Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath.
Best time to visit Bodh Gaya
Depending on the weather, October to March is the best time to visit, however visitors come here all year round. Following October, a large number of monks travel to Bodh Gaya from Dharamshala, transforming the city with their maroon robes. at December and January, the Dalai Lama himself spends some time at this place. In addition, a large number of people come here to celebrate the Buddha Purnima, which falls in April or May and marks the day that Siddhartha acquired enlightenment.