Updated May 26, 2023
About Mahabodhi Temple
Every element of ancient Indian structure has a unique history told through the monument’s walls and individual stones. The grand Mahabodhi temple in Bihar is the pinnacle of the Buddhist faith. It is on the tenets of renunciation of worldly pleasures in favor of following the path of inner peace and delighting in inner wisdom. The spiritual echelon attained through enlightenment is an example of this.
History of the Temple
Mahabodhi Mahavihara, one of India’s UNESCO monuments, holds significant reverence as a Buddhist pilgrimage site visited by Buddhists from around the globe. Historical records indicate that Siddhartha, also known as Gautam Buddha, diligently observed the world and its suffering. He sought a means of achieving salvation and ending his pain. Then, in the neighborhood of Gaya City, he scraped the woodlands near the banks of the Phalgu River. Buddha attained enlightenment after nearly a week of meditation while sitting beneath a tree. As a result, the tree gained notoriety as the divine Bodhi tree. The Great Emperor Ashoka later constructed a temple to the east of the Bodhi tree in about 260 BCE, and this location denotes the Earth’s navel.
The design of the Mahabodhi temple is breathtaking. At the base of the Bodhi tree is a diamond throne known as Vajrasana that Ashoka constructed. This location is still revered today. Sandstone columns with a pot-shaped base surround the throne. Granite railing extensions, carved panels, and medallions are also architecture features. The Mahabodhi Temple, embellished with foliate ornamentation, numerous miniature figures, and stupas, exhibits the finest ancient architectural design.
When Should You Visit the Temple?
The Mahabodhi Temple attracts visitors year-round, regardless of the weather. Nevertheless, the most significant times to visit the temple are between November and February because of the pleasant climate throughout those months. Here is a classification that can aid you in vacation planning. Bodhgaya has stifling heat from March through June. Nevertheless, many people attend the temple because Budha Jayanti falls during these months. The town is currently celebrating in magnificent style.
Monsoon season in Bodh Gaya lasts from July to September. Even though these months have a lot of rain, the weather is often lovely. Many tourists choose these months to visit the temple since they are more affordable than other months. So if you’re searching for a holiday that won’t break the bank, consider going to Bodhgaya during these months. The winter season, which includes the months of November through February, is the busiest time for travel. If you visit Mahabodhi Temple during these months, the weather is ideal for touring, and you will witness a lot of Buddhist monks.
Places to Visit Near the Mahabodhi Temple
#1 Bhutan’s Royal Monastery
The King of Bhutan built the Royal Bhutan Monastery, one of the popular tourist destinations in Bodhgaya. This serene monastery is open every day of the week from 7 am to 7 pm. You can profit from the profound teachings of the Lord Buddha that the Buddhist monks impart and its distinctive architecture. For those who want to contemplate, the monastery’s temple, which houses a 7-foot-tall figure of Buddha, is a wonderfully intriguing location.
#2 Majestic Buddha Statue
The Great Buddha Statue is one of the most excellent sites to see in Bodhgaya if you are to the beauty of Buddha. The XIV Dalai Lama gave the Buddhist adherents a meditation pose of Buddha lying on a massive lotus with his installation in 1989. Every visitor is stunned by the tranquility of the location. The red granite and sandstone carvings add to the attractiveness. It is one of the most frequented locations that are near the temple.
#3 The Bodhi Tree
It is the evergreen in Bodh Gaya, where Gautam Buddha obtained enlightenment. The tree’s heart-shaped leaves are what make it so well-known. The most important Buddhist religious site is the Bodhi Tree. The day of Bodhi Day, December 8, is recognized as the day Buddha attained enlightenment. It is a tranquil setting. Visit this tree and soak up the pleasant energy it so gently spreads among travelers.
#4 Sujata Kuti
Nearly 8 kilometers separate Sujata Kuti, known for its delicate brickwork, from Bodhgaya City. Buddha had given up all of the world’s pleasures when he was on the path to enlightenment, according to the life account of the Buddha. After a period of starvation, a woman named Sujata presented Lord Buddha with kheer. After six arduous years of meditation, Buddha ate this as his first food. On the shores of the Phalgu River is a Kuti or temple that honors Sujata, a tribal woman.
