Overview
Pilgrims have been arriving at the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) since early in the morning. The complex contains several holy sites, including the Bodhi Tree, under which Prince Siddhartha of Lumbini (Nepal) attained enlightenment and became known as the Buddha approximately 2,500 years ago, the main temple dating from the 5th/6th century, the Animesh Lochan Temple, Cankamana or the Cloister Walk, Ajapala Nigrodha Tree, the Rajayatana Tree, and others. The temple is usually open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, on auspicious days, such as Buddha Purnima, the schedule may be altered.
Bodh Gaya is a religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous as it is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree.Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration both for Hindus and Buddhists. In particular, archaeological finds including sculptures show that the site was in use by Buddhists since the Mauryan period.
For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For Buddhists, Bodh Gaya is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini, and Sarnath. In 2002, Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bodh Gaya, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
