Mahabodhi Temple Package

Mahabodhi Temple: (The Land of Lord Buddha)

'UNESCO listed Mahabodhi Temple' is one of the earliest temples, located 100 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. It is also called as 'Mahabodhi Mahavira',  'Bodhgaya temple' or 'Great Stupa'. It is one of the most popular spiritual destinations for both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. It is lauded for the majestic beauty of its gold plated Lord Buddha statue, located within its vicinity. Lord Buddha had attained his enlightenment here. So, the temple is regarded as the most divine pilgrimage for Buddhists in the world.

Tourists from all over the world visit Mahabodhi Temple to adore its beauty, spiritual ambience and the meditative aura.. It is one of the 84,000 shrines built by King Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. The time taken to build this temple still remains a mystery. Presumably it underwent several restorations in the subsequent periods.

Following are the main attractions of Mahabodhi Temple :

The sacred Bodhi Tree: It stands to the west of the temple.  It is believed to be the fifth descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained his enlightenment on the full moon day of Vaisakh Purnima (May month). Its botanical name is Fircus Religiosa , commonly also known as Peepal tree in India.

Animesha Lochana Chaitya: It is situated towards the north east of the Mahabodhi Temple.  After attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha kept looking at Bodhi Tree from this point for 7 days without blinking his eyes. Thus, this point is called as 'Animesha Lochana', which means 'open eyes.'

Vajrasan: Vajrasan( Diamond throne) symbolises a seat of indestructible enlightenment. It is made of red sandstone, built in 3rd century B.C. by King Ashoka. Fa Hien, the Chinese Buddhist monk had predicted that every historic and upcoming enlightenment would take place in Vajrasan.

Cankamana: Also called as cloister walk,is the place where Buddha practised walking meditation in the third week. The elevated platform with lotus flowers mark the spot where Buddha had kept his feet during his meditation.

Ratanaghara: Tha Ratanaghara (the Jewel house) situated in the north west of the temple witnessed the fourth week of Buddha’s meditation. Presumably, it is here that a ray of six colours was seen radiating from his body. Consequently, the Buddhists have designed their flag based on these colours.

Excursions from Mahabodhi Temple: Tourists can travel to places such as Rajgir (73 km), Nalanda (90 km) and Pava Puri (100 km) from Mahabodhi.

Shopping in Mahabodhi Temple: Finely embellished metal, marble and wooden sculptures of Lord Buddha are available here. Travellers can also buy bracelets, beads and paintings from several local stores near the temple.

When to Reach: Ideally, the best time to visit is in between November to February (weather wise. Tourists can also celebrate Buddha Purnima (birth day of Lord Buddha)here. It falls in the month of May.

How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is in Gaya, about 10 kms away from the temple.
Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Gaya at a distance of 17 kms.
Road: Direct bus services are available from Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir to Mahabodhi Temple.