7 Places In Bodh Gaya That You Just Cannot Miss-Out On!

Astrologist, Vastu consultant & Psychic

A village in the north-east state of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is a renowned religious and pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is also one of the primary tourist attractions of Bihar.

Mahabodhi Temple

The World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Mahabodhi Mahavir Temple (Great Awakening Temple). It is believed that it is at this very place that Gautama attained enlightenment.
It stands in the middle of the town. It is 115km from the South of Patna and 16km from the Gaya’s District Headquarters.
Attractions: It is one of the 4-main holy sites of Gautama Buddha. Made with sandstones, stands 52m high, historic motifs & engravings on the shikhara, magnificent statues of Lord Buddha and Mayadevi (mother of Buddha) and blooming lotuses in the nearby pond. It was excavated in 1811.

2. Bodhi Tree

It is said that it is that very Tree under which Gautama attained enlightenment.
It is on the left side of the Mahabodhi Temple.
Attractions: You’ll find many Buddhist Monks sitting around here in peace. It is believed to be the oldest documented tree in the world which is still alive. It is said that the tree has grown from the seed that was brought to Gaya from Sri Lanka.

3. Barabar Caves

Made of 4 Caves, Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi, Vishvakarma and Sudama, these are lesser-known caves in front of Ajanta & Ellora Caves. Made under the rule of King Ashoka, the caves are built from the single huge piece of granite rock.
25km from the South of Jehanabad and approximately 40km from the Bodh Gaya. Nearest Railway Station in Banavar Halt and Airport is Patna & Gaya.
Attractions: Lomas Rishi Cave, the interior has a glass-polish finishing, Hindu & Jain sculptures.

4. Archaeological Society of India Museum

Came into being in 1956, ASI Museum portrays an effort to capture the rich cultural heritage of Buddhists. You’ll find the relics of Buddhists and Hindus, mostly from 8 to 12 centuries.
Located inside the Mahabodhi Temple Complex.
Attractions: There’s a lot to read about, including Stone Sculptures, Terracotta Material, Lord Buddha Images and the Idol of Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

5. Pragbodhi

Pragbodhi is inside a hill and is considered significant because Lord Buddha before attaining enlightenment, spent 7 years here, in austerity.
Approximately 7km (around 3-hours) away from Gaya, one can reach Pragbodhi by riding in a Bus or booking a Taxi.
Attractions: Now also said to be as the Dungeshwari Caves, there’s a temple around the exact spot where Buddha used to meditate. A short hike and you’ll reach the hill-top from where you can capture breathtaking landscapes (also the view of Mahabodhi Temple) and ruins of a few Stupas.

6. Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple

Established in 1972 with the help of International Buddhist Communities, the temple exhibits the Japanese Architecture.
At a distance of 15km from the middle of the city of Bodh Gaya.
Attractions: Buddhist Inscripts (Teachings of Buddha), Made out of Wood, resembles Japanese Shrine, Japanese Paintings of events from Gautam Buddha’s life.

7. Muchalinda Lake

It is said that Buddha was once in meditation near this lake when suddenly a harsh storm broke-out. Buddha was protected by the Snake King, Muchalinda.
At the right of the Mahabodhi Temple is the Lotus Pond, named Muchalinda Lake.
Attractions: Statue of Lord Buddha Sitting on a Snake Coil at the centre. You can feed the fishes inside the pond with puffed rice.

Bodh Gaya is located at the bank of Lilajan River and was known as Uruwela earlier. The above are a few places amongst dozens more to capture in your camera, including various temples in and around the town, some monasteries (Thai, Tibetan and Tergar), stupas and shopping sites at Kundan Bazaar and the Tibetan Refugee Market.

So, just don’t miss out any of it, as all of it holds amazing background tales to them!

Blog Edited By Ritika Gupta

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