The Mahabodhi Temple or the “Temple of Great Awakening” is one of the major Buddhist pilgrim destinations. Situated in the Bodh Gaya region of Bihar, the temple is considered to be auspicious since Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at this very place. The temple is visited by a huge number of Buddhist pilgrims every year from all over the world. The temple complex here is divided into three major parts. The first holds the Mahabodhi Temple, the second is the site of the holy Bodhi tree and is known as the Bodhimanda, and the third is a monastery known as the Bodhimanda Vihara.
History of the Mahabodhi Temple
According to various scriptures and mythological stories, Siddhartha Gautama as a young prince wanted to overcome all the sufferings and sorrows of the world. Thus, he reached on the banks of Falgu river and sat under a pipal tree for meditation. After around three days and nights of unbroken meditation, Gautama attained enlightenment at this very place. He then spent seven more weeks at this very place at seven different spots just to experience the sacredness of this very place.
Several hundred years after Gautama Buddha, the Buddhist Emperor Ashoka decided to construct a temple and monastery at Bodh Gaya where Buddha attained enlightenment. Various stories depict that a diamond throne was constructed at the exact location where Buddha attained enlightenment. After a considerable span, Buddhism here declined when the dynasties following it declined. Also, the invasions from several Arab rulers completely deserted this region. The Mahabodhi Temple was abandoned and remained untouched until the 1880s when the British Government took steps for restoring this place.
The architecture of the Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple standing today is a restored form of the original temple constructed during the fifth century. It is a spectacular monument built using the Dravidian type of architecture. The entire construction of this temple is performed using bricks and is considered to be one of the oldest brick structures surviving. The central tower of this temple elevates at a height of fifty-five meters and can be seen from far distances. The entire surrounding of this temple is well protected by a two-meter high stone railing. One still gets to see the portrayed images of several Hindu goddesses on these railings which are considered to be from the Gupta period.
The magnificent carvings on all the walls of this temple are fascinating and really attract visitors’ attention. Taking a closer look at these walls, you would get to see several images of Buddha in various meditating postures. Apart from Buddha, these walls also possess several captivating demons and floral structures. The temple complex also consists of well carved and designed pillars and stupas, each of which relates to the life of the Gautama Buddha.
Places of Interest in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex
The Bodhi Tree: This is one of the most sacred spots in the Mahabodhi Temple complex and is a place where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. According to mythological stories, Siddhartha Gautama meditated under this tree and ultimately attained enlightenment on Vaisakh Purnima (full moon day). The tree is also considered to be the first place where Gautama kept on meditating in the first week after enlightenment. Today, the present tree is considered to be the fifth succession of the original Bodhi Tree.
Vajrasana: Vajrasana is the holy seat made by Emperor Ashoka at the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The seat is made out of red sandstone and is decorated with several precious diamonds. Offered to honour the great Lord Buddha, Vajrasana is one of the worth watching destinations in the Mahabodhi temple complex. Various Buddhist scriptures depict the Vajrasana as the navel of the earth and are one of the most auspicious places on the earth. It is considered that right after Gautama Buddha, many other Buddhas attained enlightenment at this very place and this tradition would follow for all the future Buddhas.
Animesha Lochana Chaitya: The place is where Siddhartha Gautama spent his second week after enlightenment. Situated in the northeast section of the Mahabodhi temple complex, Animesha Lochana Chaitya is the place where Gautama meditated for one week in a standing posture after his enlightenment. Today, a temple has been built here and possesses a standing statue of Buddha gazing at the Bodhi tree. This spectacular statue definitely captures our attention and has been beautifully carved with all the natural gestures.
Chankamana: Chankamana is a place where Siddhartha Gautama spent this third week after enlightenment. During this third week, he practised Chankamana, which literary means walking meditation. Considering the importance and holiness of this place, one raised platform is constructed here. This platform has structures depicting lotus flowers which are considered to be grown because Gautama Buddha walked here. The place is worth visiting in this complex and is often crowded with people offering flowers and prayers here.
Ratanaghara: The fourth week after enlightenment was spent here. Situated in the northwest region of the Mahabodhi temple complex, Ratanaghara literary means Jewel House and is a place where Siddhartha Gautama meditated reflecting the law of dependent inception. According to various mythological stories associated with Gautama’s enlightenment, one story depicts that a ray of six colours reflected from his body while meditating at this very place, thus making it one of the auspicious destinations in this temple complex. Today, these colours are used to design and symbolize the Buddhist flag.
Ajapala Nigrodha Tree: This is a place where Gautama spent his fifth week after the enlightenment. It is said that this is the place where he discovered a disclosure on the equality of mankind. Today, no tree exists here. However, a pillar standing here marks the spot where the tree once stood.
Muchalinda Sarovar: Muchalinda Sarovar is a lake where Buddha spent his sixth week after enlightenment. According to one of the several mythological stories associated with Buddha, Muchalinda Sarovar played an important role in the enlightenment of Siddharth Gautama. The story depicts that a tremendous thunderstorm started when Buddha was meditating in this very lake. Seeing the trouble created by the thunderstorm, the Snake King named Muchalinda protected Gautama by covering him with his hood. Today, a huge statue of Buddha protected by Muchalinda is present here and is a major tourist attraction in the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
Rajayatna Tree: This is the place where Buddha spent his seventh and last week of meditation after enlightenment. According to a Buddhist story, Bhallika and Tapassu were the two merchants that offered rice and honey to Buddha while passing through this place. They then took refuge with Buddha, who taught them “Buddham Saranam Gachami, Dhammam Saranam Gachami”, which is considered to be one of the famous teachings of Buddha. Thus, Rajayatna Tree became the place where Buddha offered his first teaching and these two merchants became his first devotees.
Meditation Park: This is a newly formed meditation park and is situated in the southeast part of the Mahabodhi temple. This park has several meditation huts along with discussion rooms and congregation centres. The two huge prayer bells and water fountains situated in this pond are the major tourist attractions. One must definitely visit this divine park and meditate to experience utter bliss.
The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the must-visit destinations in the state of Bihar. One must definitely visit this place to experience the rich Buddhist culture and tradition.
Travelling to Mahabodhi Temple
The site of Mahabodhi Temple is well connected with road, rail, and air transport. Thus, reaching this place is not difficult.
By Air: The Gaya International Airport is the nearest airport to reach this place and is around fourteen kilometres from the temple site. The airport is well connected with some of the major airports in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, etc.
By Rail: Gaya is the nearest railway station to reach the Mahabodhi temple and is around thirteen kilometres from the temple site. Frequent trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are scheduled to reach Gaya.
By Road: The temple is well connected with road transport services. Frequent buses and private taxis are available from Patna and Gaya to reach Mahabodhi Temple.
