Bodhgaya is situated by the river Phalgu. It is the place where Lord Buddha left his foot steps nearly 2500 years ago while travelling in the quest of enlightenment. It is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centre in the world. By attaining enlightenment under Banyan tree named the Bodhi Tree, Prince Siddhartha become Buddha. If someone is looking for a spiritual upliftment, perhaps he should visit Bodhgaya, the Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The small town of Bodhgaya in Central Bihar came into prominence in the 6th century with Buddha's enlightenment or Nirvana under a Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya.
India is not only famous for its mountains and seaside destinations by tourists but there are quite a number of holy places and pilgrimage spots in the country that attract millions of religious minded tourists from all over the world. One such religious destination in India is the holy place Bodhgaya. Bodhgay is located in Gaya district of Bihar. It is the place where legendary spiritual leader and visionary Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana. The small city in Bihar attracts thousands of Buddhists and religious visitors all over the year. Apart from serving as one of the major Buddhist pilgrim centres of world, Bodhgaya is also an important place for those who want to study Buddhism.
As it is expected, the sightseeing options in Bodhgaya are mostly religious or spiritual in nature. The Bodhi Tree is most likely the 5th succession of the legendary tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Under the tree, you will see seat of stability known as Vajrasana where the sage used to sit and meditate on. At Temple Street's end you will find the magnificent Great Buddha Statue, 25 meter tall. Spiritual leader Dalai Lama unveiled the statue in 1989. The renovated Mahabodhi temple is another edifice you cannot miss and same can be said about the adjacent archeological museum. Meditation lovers can also see the Meditation Park located at the temple's north east. The beautifully adorned Chinese temple is another must see spot on the place. There are quite a few monasteries that you can see as well.
Best time to visit : Since it is located in Bihar, Bodhgaya has a typical tropical climate. Ideally, winter is the right time to visit the Buddhist centre. Months from October to March are quite suitable. Those who enjoy monsoon can also visit Bodhgaya during August or September when the temperature is low, compared to the summers.
Mahabodhi Temple : in the 3rd century, the great Mauryan ruler King Ashoka built a small shrine. Subsequent rulers left their mark on this shrine, which finally took the shape of the famous Mahabodhi temple. The temple is an immense attraction to the Buddhists, and stands near the Maha Bodhi tree under which Tathagat, or Gautama attained enlightenment. The Shiva Lingam inside the temple was installed on 9th century beginning and it’s a splendid piece of sculpture.The architecture of the temple is symbolic as it is designed to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve human misery and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life. Animesh Lochan Chaitya is important as the place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week looking toward the great Bodhi tree where he eventually received enlightenment. Under the Bodhi Tree one can find the Vajrasana, a stone platform on which Buddha is believed to have sat in meditation.
Ratnagarh : is another place where Buddha is believed to have spent one week when five colors came out of his body.
Prestshila Hills : Gaya is a place known to the Hindus as one of the 'Dhamas' or the most sacred places for pilgrimage and is guarded on one side by the Prestshila Hills. On the opposite side of Prestshila Hills, lie the Ramshila hills. It is said that there used to be a demon called Gaya who was very much shocked at the distress caused by death. He expressed his sorrow to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu was very happy to see that a demon had such a kind heart and gave him a boon by virtue of which he could forgive the sinners. Pretshila Hill which overlooks a pond where people go for 'Pind Dan', performance of rites for departed souls. On top of the hill is the Ahilya Bai Temple, which has magnificent sculptures and the Barabar Caves, which are carved out of rocks depicting the life of Buddha. Prestshila Hills lies in the close vicinity of the Phalgu river. The peculiarity of this river is that the water cannot be seen from outside. It always remains under a thick layer of silt and sand. People who go to Gaya dig holes in the river to take out its water.
Mahabodhi Tree : the tree is considered holy since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under it, it is probably the fifth succession of the original tree. Anyone, who likes an ambience of serenity, would understand this place's surroundings to be perfectly weathered for meditation.
Vajrasana : the stone platform, where Lord Buddha sat in meditation while he attained enlightenment is known as Vajrasana. The place is restricted for any tourist activity on it; however, even the sight doesn't fail to excite the spirituality of the watcher.