Bodhgaya Tourism
Serene
and quiet this tiny little village, holiest among holy places is Bodhgaya, Where
the quest of Prince Siddharth was fulfilled after years of seeking the truth
and the saga of Buddha began. He attained the supreme enlightenment and became
'The Buddha', the enlightened one. Thus Buddhism was born here under the Peepal
Tree.
The Prince had been wandering in search of supreme peace for long six years
hither and thither. But it was at Bodhgaya only where his holy mission was achieved.
Bodhgaya has naturally developed into the most sacred spot for Buddhists from
all over the world, especially the affluent south East Asia.
Lying in sylvan solitude this sacred place is situated on the bank of river
Niranjana (Modern Falgu). It is 13 km. from Gaya town. Gaya is an important
Centre of 'Hindu Pilgrimage' where people go to offer oblations for the salvation
of their dead forefathers.
The Bodhi Tree
At the western side of the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodhgaya stands the large and
historic Bodhi Tree under which Shakyamuni Buddha, then known as Gautama, attained
enlightenment some 2540 years ago.
Gautama, had been practicing austerities for six years in the area of the Niranjana
River near Bodhgaya. Finally understanding that this could not lead to realisation,
he abandoned his austerities and in the nearby village of Senani (now also known
as Sujata) the Brahmin girl Sujata offered him milk-rice. Strengthened by this,
he took some kusha grass for a mat and sat under the pipal tree facing east.
He resolved not to rise until he attained enlightenment.
Mahabodhi Temple
The Mahabodhi Temple stands east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect
is superb. its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender
Pyramid, till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total
height of the temple is 170 feet and on the top of the temple are Chatras which
symbolise sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its four corners rise gracefully
giving the holy sturcture a poise and balance. This sacred edifice is like a
grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of
the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries to ascend above worldly problems
and to attain transcedental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined
life.
