Bodh Gaya also known as Bodhgaya is a very important pilgrimage site for Buddhists in the state of Bihar in India. Bodh Gaya is among the four most important pilgrimage tourism site for Buddhists in the world. Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and went on to become Lord Buddha.
Gautama Siddhartha spend three days under the bodhi tree after which he received Enlightenment during the full moon, this day is celebrated as the Buddha Poornima. After receiving Enlightenment under the bodhi tree, Gautama Siddhartha went to Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh which is another important pilgrimage travel site for Buddhists where he gave his first lecture.
Due to this Bodh Gaya is a holy place for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is one of the most visited pilgrimage destination in India. The city is located in the state of Bihar some 90km south of Patna. Every year thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, China, Tibet and Sri Lanka travel to Bodh Gaya. The spiritual Guru of Buddhists, Dalai Lama also spends time at Bodh Gaya.
The best travel to travel Bodh Gaya is winter. During the winter from October to March, temperature of Bodh Gaya remains pleasant, ideal to travelers. It is advised to carry woolen clothes during December and January. The temperature during summer in Bodh Gaya can easily reach 45º C. Bodh Gaya also receives huge amount of rainfall during the Monsoon therefore both summer and monsoon are not ideal period to visit Bodh Gaya.
BODH GAYA PILGRIMAGE TOURISM ATTRACTIONS
Mahabodhi Temple - It is believed that King Asoka The Great built this temple at the exact place where Gautama Buddha mediated and received Enlightenment . The original Mahabodhi Temple was destroyed by the Muslims but was restored in 1880. The pyramid shaped Mahabodhi Temple features a 50 meter high tower. The temple is pilgrimage place for Buddhists and Hindus as well.
Great Buddha Statue - Also called Vajrasana, this 80 feet high statue of Lord Gautama Buddha is major attraction in Bodh Gaya. The Great Buddha Statue is in the meditation posture. The Great Buddha Statue was made of sandstone and red granite. The statue was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1989.
Dungeswari Caves - The mysterious Dungeswari Caves are located 12km from the Bodh Gaya. There are several statues, painting and stone carvings of Lord Gautama Buddha at the Dungeswari Caves. These statues and paintings tells the story of Gautama Buddha during this life of austerity.
Bodhi Tree - Under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama Buddha received the Enlightenment and went on to found the Buddhism. Although the original tree died several years ago. The sapling from the original Bodhi Tree that was taken from the Sri Lanka. The daughter of Emperor Asoka The Great took the branch of original Bodhi Tree and planted it in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. Under the Bodhi Tree is the red sandstone slab on which Gautama Buddha sat on.
Bodhi Sarovar - The Bodhi Sarovar is a pond where Gautama Buddha used to take bath before going for meditation. This pond has a significant importance for the Buddhists.
Chankaramana - According to the legend, after receiving eternal knowledge, Gautama Buddha was in dilemma to whether share it with the world or not. While thinking on the issue Lord Buddha started walking and wherever he put his feet lotuses sprang up. The Chankaramana is located near the Bodhi temple.
Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum in Bodh Gaya exhibits sculptures related to Buddhist religion. There are two galleries in the museum. The first gallery exhibits sculptures like Yakshi figure, crowned Buddha, standing image of Majusri etc. The second gallery exhibits sculpture related to Buddhist and Brahmanical faith like Sapta matrika, Dasavatara of Lord Vishnu.
Bodhgaya Multimedia Museum - The museum showcase historical and geographical context of Lord Buddha;s life through Multimedia films and 3D animations. The Bodhgaya Multimedia Museum is located near the Mahabodhi temple.
There are few hotels in Bodh Gaya. All hotels in Bodh Gaya are well in the budget of tourists ranging from $30 per night to $120 per night. These hotels offer great tour packages for the Bodh Gaya. Some of the popular hotels in Bodh Gaya include Hotel Siddhartha International Bodhgaya, Hotel Tokyo Vihar Bodhgaya, Lotus Nikko Hotel Bodhgaya, Mahamaya Hotel and Royal Residency Hotel Bodhgaya.
HOW TO REACH BODH GAYA
By Air - The nearest airport to Bodh Gaya is 17km away in Gaya. Several major domestic airlines like Kingfisher, Air India operates from major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata to Gaya. Alternatively there is a airport in Patna, capital of Bihar from there you can reach Bodh Gaya via taxis or buses.
By Rail - The nearest railway station from Bodh Gaya is in Gaya. Indian Railways has a good good network that connects Bodh Gaya to several major cities in India. There is a special train for pilgrim tourists in Bodh Gaya named "Buddha Parikrama Express.
