Bodhgaya: The land of Bihar has not only been the centre of ancient kingdoms and universities, but it has also been a land of spiritual upliftment. Bodh Gaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and with this began the great journey of Buddhism. This place is still a holy pilgrimage for Buddhist devotees and tourists not only in India but all over the world.

Life of Lord Buddha and Connection With Bihar

Lord Buddha, who was born in 563 BC in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), took to sannyasa in his youth after seeing the sufferings of the world and set out in search of true knowledge. After years of penance, he finally attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya.

In Bihar:

1. Gaya – The place of attaining enlightenment
2. Rajgir – The place of preaching
3. Nalanda – The centre of education of followers
4. Bihar witnessed the foundation of Buddhism.

The Story of the Bodhi Tree and Enlightenment

Buddha meditated for seven days under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya and attained salvation and purity of mind. This tree is still considered a symbol of salvation.

It is said:

1. Buddha meditated for 49 days
2. During this time he discovered the principle of the ‘middle path’
3. He came to know about the sorrows of life, their causes and the path to liberation
4. This tree is still alive and millions of devotees meditate under it.

Mahabodhi Temple – Architecture and Glory

Mahabodhi Temple is the most sacred place in Bodh Gaya. It was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, which was later rebuilt several times.

Features:

1. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002
2. 55 meter high main stupa
3. Small temples at all four corners
4. Meditating statue of Buddha located near the Bodhi tree
5. This temple is a wonderful amalgamation of Indian and Buddhist architecture.

Origin and Propagation of Buddhism

Bodhgaya is considered the birthplace of Buddhism. It was from here that Lord Buddha started propagating Dhamma, in which he showed the path to liberation from suffering – Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.

This religion:

1. Was based on non-violence and compassion
2. Gave importance to logic and experience
3. Became popular among kings as well as common people

International Buddhist Center and Monasteries

Bodhgaya is still a global Buddhist center. Monasteries (Buddhist Vihars) built by various countries are located here:

1. Thailand Buddhist Vihar
2. Japanese Temple
3. Monasteries of Bhutan, Sri Lanka, China, Myanmar, Tibet
4. 14 feet High Buddha Statue, Installed by Japan

Buddhist conferences and meditation camps are organized here every year.

Also Read: – Nalanda and Vikramshila: The Legacy of the World’s Oldest Universities – Day – II

Pilgrimage and Annual Festivals

Kalachakra Puja, meditation camps and international conferences are held in Bodhgaya every year in December-January. Millions of Buddhist followers and tourists come here.

Events:

1. Dhamma Sermon
2. Monk Initiation Ceremony
3. Tibetan New Year Festival (Losar)
4. World Buddhist Culture Festival
5. The atmosphere of Bodhgaya is filled with peace, meditation and devotion during this time.

Other Places to Visit in Bodhgaya

1. Bodhgaya is not just a temple site, but a spiritual city:
2. Golden Buddha Statue Park
3. Museum – Buddhist statues and archaeological remains
4. Vajrasana – the actual place where Buddha attained enlightenment
5. Niranjana River – where Buddha meditated
6. Golden Bhikshu Stupa
7. Every corner here gives a glimpse of Buddha’s life and Buddhist history.

Modern Importance and Tourism of Bodhgaya

Today Bodhgaya is not only a religious place, but a global tourism destination. The Bihar government and the central government are developing it as a Buddhist tourism circuit.

1. International Airport (Gaya Airport)
2. Meditation and Yoga Centre
3. World class hotels and guide facilities
4. Center of attraction for foreign tourists
5. Bodhgaya has today become the soft power and religious-tourism force of India.

Conclusion

Bodhgaya is not just a city, but a land of knowledge, peace and compassion. Here Buddha attained enlightenment and laid the foundation of a religion that gave the world a new perspective of life.

Even today this place is an inspiration for every person who is in search of inner peace and spirituality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Bodhgaya famous for? Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Q2. When and who built the Mahabodhi Temple? Emperor Ashoka built it in the 3rd century BC.

Q3. On the banks of which river is Bodh Gaya located? On the banks of the Niranjana River.

Q4. Are there international Buddhist monasteries in Bodhgaya? Yes, there are Buddhist monasteries from many countries like Japan, Thailand, Tibet.

Q5. When is the best time to visit Bodhgaya? The weather from November to February is suitable for pilgrimage and meditation.

✍️What will be the next part?

Tomorrow in this blog series, we will learn about the legacy of The Jain Connection – Birthplace of Lord Mahavira.

Also Read: – Nalanda and Vikramshila: The Legacy of the World’s Oldest Universities – Day – II