Bodhgaya
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| Winter: | 09°C – 22°C |
Bodhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage center in the world. It was here under a banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya flourishes as an international centre for Buddhism. Temples and monasteries built by various countries dot the town. The ambience is a mix of monastic serenity and small town commotion.
Mahabodhi Temple
Bodhi Tree
Great Buddha Statue:
Vishnupad Mandir
Bodhgaya,India
Located in the city center, The Hotel Lotus Nikko has a spotless and bright shiny marble flooring in the lobby. All rooms are fresh and pleasant, but not fancy. Suites are simply very large rooms....
Its soaring pyramidal spire dominates the landscape. In approximately 250 BC, about 250 years after the Buddha attained enlightenment, Emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya and established a monastery and temple there. The original structure of Mahabodhi Temple was completed in 7th century A.D. during the reign of Gupta kings. The temple is enclosed on three sides by 1st-century BC stone railing, carved with lotus medallions and scenes from Buddha’s life. It is a UNESCO world heritage monument. Best time to visit the complex is at dusk, when thousands of oil lamps bathe the temple in a golden light.
It is same tree under which the Buddha meditated before he attained enlightenment. Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude. The Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed.
It was built by Daijokiyo and was inaugurated in the presence of his holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989. The statue is 25 m high in meditation pose or dhyana mudra seated on a lotus in open air. It towers above a pleasant garden at the end of Temple St. and it took seven years to complete it with the help of 12,000 masons. It is a mix of sandstone blocks and red granite.
This temple is located along the Falgu River, marked by a footprint of Lord Vishnu known as Dharmasila, incised into a block of basalt. The construction date of temple is unknown and it is believed that Rama along with Sita had visited this place. Ruler of Indore, Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar rebuilt the structure in 1787. Inside the temple is the 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted in solid rock and surrounded by a silver plated basin. The height of this temple is 30 meter and it a has 8 rows of beautifully carved pillars which support the pavilion. 